Germany to buy Israeli air-defense systems in $3.5 billion deal
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The United States approved a $3.5-billion sale of "Israel's" Arrow-3 missile defense system to Germany on Thursday.
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A handout picture released by the Israeli Security Ministry on July 12, 2022, shows the Arrow (L) and Iron Dome systems, part of "Israel’s" multi-tiered surface-to-air missile system on display at "Israel’s" Ben Gurion Airport in Lod near 'Tel Aviv.' (AFP)
The IOF said it will proceed with its largest-ever security deal after the US gave approval, allowing Germany to purchase the Arrow 3 air defense system as part of a $3.5 billion agreement.
Following the resolute endorsement from the US government, the Israeli Security Ministry announced on Thursday that representatives from both "Israel" and Germany are affirming their unwavering commitment for the deal.
The Arrow 3 interceptor, manufactured by Israeli Aerospace Industries, is being jointly developed by the United States and "Israel."
The full contract will be ready to sign by the end of 2023, once German and Israeli parliamentary approvals are received, the Security Ministry said. The commitment of $600 million will enable the immediate start of work on the project, it stated.
Earlier in May, German air force official Ingo Gerhartz told the "Jerusalem Post" newspaper that the purchase of the air defense system "starts with the approval of Israel and the United States, and they gave us the approval."
"They gave us the approval that we can cooperate on it. But, we still have to talk about the details," the official was cited as saying.
What is the Arrow 3 missile defense system?
The Arrow 3 missile system intercepts ballistic missiles outside the Earth's atmosphere. The Arrow serves as the upper layer of the integrated Israeli missile security system that also compromises the Iron Dome and the David's Sling missile security systems.
The Arrow 3 system, one of the most advanced air defense systems the occupation has, is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at altitudes of more than 100 kilometers, with a range of up to 2400 kilometers.
The air security system is an "Israel" Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Boeing joint US-Israeli security project, funded by US annual foreign aid to "Israel", and has been in service with the Israeli Air Force since 2017.
The Arrow 3 system includes components developed by the United States, which previously refused requests from other countries to purchase the system.
