Germany has become the first European country to deploy the Arrow air defense system, a high-altitude missile interceptor designed to counter intermediate-range ballistic threats.

The system, built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in cooperation with the US Missile Defense Agency, is seen as a strategic upgrade to Germany’s territorial defense amid growing concerns over a potential Russian missile threat.

A ceremony marking the deployment was held at an air base in Holzdorf, roughly 100 kilometres south of Berlin.

Read more: Germany warns of Russian 'attack' on NATO within ‘5-8 years’

Response to Russian intermediate-range missiles

The move is part of Berlin’s broader effort to bolster national and regional security. The Arrow system is specifically designed to intercept missiles with ranges beyond 1,000 kilometres, such as Russia's Oreshnik missiles.

With a maximum operational range of 2,400 kilometres and capable of functioning outside the Earth’s atmosphere, Arrow fills a crucial gap left by shorter-range systems like the Patriot and IRIS-T.

Germany considers Russia’s intermediate-range missile arsenal, including Iskander missiles deployed in Kaliningrad, as a significant threat to its population and infrastructure.

While the Iskander is expected to be countered by shorter-range systems, Arrow provides an upper-tier layer of protection against longer-range attacks.

Read more: Russia's nuclear doctrine update signals message to West: Kremlin

NATO role and strategic coverage across Germany

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the system's strategic value, noting its role in enhancing Germany’s position within NATO. “With this strategic capability, which is unique among our European partners, we are securing our key role in the heart of Europe,” he said.

The system is set to be operational at three sites across northern, central, and southern Germany, with full deployment expected by 2030. Its early warning and interception capabilities are designed to defend not only Germany but also support NATO operations and protect neighbouring allies.

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Israeli technology at the core of Europe’s defense

Arrow represents the upper layer of "Israel’s" multi-tiered missile defense architecture, complementing systems such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling. Interest in the technology has grown since it helped intercept missile attacks on "Israel" in April and October 2024, reportedly launched by Iran.

"Who could have imagined that only 80 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, the Jewish state, through the technologies it develops, would help defend not only Germany but all of Europe," said "Israel’s" ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor.

Full operational capability expected by 2030

Germany purchased the Arrow system in 2023 for 3.6 billion euros ($4.18 billion). Once fully deployed, it will offer wide territorial coverage and plug critical defense gaps as tensions with Moscow remain high and NATO continues its eastward posture.

Though front-line responsibilities have shifted to countries like Poland and the Baltic states, Germany remains a strategic hub and staging ground in any future conflict scenario involving NATO and Russia.

Read more: NATO headed for military buildup on eastern flank of Europe - German Defense Chief