The German Bundestag has approved an initial down payment for the Israeli missile defense system "Arrow 3". How does this system work, which has never been used in a real-world scenario in Israel?
The Federal Republic of Germany is embarking on a historic path: For the first time, Germany intends to acquire a missile defense system from Israel. The project has been under discussion since last year. Now, the Budget Committee of the Bundestag has approved an initial down payment of 560 million euros so that construction can begin. The signing of a contract is still pending.
Specifically, the acquisition concerns the so-called "Arrow 3" system (Hebrew: Chetz 3; German: Pfeil 3). It is intended to become part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, a multi-layered European air defense project launched in October 2022 by 15 NATO member states, and will complement other systems such as the Patriot missile defense system. The acquisition is a response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Ministry of Defense aims to achieve initial operational capability with the Arrow 3 by the end of 2025.
No “Iron Dome”
What is this system? Although some headlines might lead to this misconception, "Arrow 3" is not the same as the better-known, also Israeli, "Iron Dome." While "Arrow 3" is also intended to contribute to erecting a metaphorical iron dome over Germany and Europe, the "Iron Dome" is actually a separate defense system that is not currently relevant to Germany.
The Israeli air defense system consists of several layers: The "Iron Dome" forms a lower layer, as it is particularly well-suited for intercepting short-range projectiles; in practice, these are currently mostly rockets and mortar shells fired from the Gaza Strip. In contrast, "Arrow 3" forms the uppermost layer of the air defense system: It is specifically designed for intercepting medium- and long-range missiles. Germany has identified a gap in its own air defense precisely in this area.
"Arrow 3" is the latest installment in a series of "Arrow" missile systems developed since the 1980s. In Israel, the system is primarily built by Israel Aerospace Industries, while Boeing is involved from the US. The United States has also invested heavily in the system. This means that Washington must approve the acquisition for Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) stated on Wednesday that he believes "everything will be approved.".
Destruction by collision
The entire Arrow 3 system basically consists of three elements: a control center, a radar, and a mobile missile launcher on which several missiles are inserted into cylindrical launch canisters. After the radar identifies an enemy missile, the missile is launched vertically from the canister.
In simplified terms, the missile itself consists of the missile body and a warhead (the "kill vehicle"). As the missile approaches the enemy target, the warhead detaches from the body and travels independently toward the target. It can still change direction at high speed during this maneuver. The missile then destroys the enemy target by impacting it at high speed ("hit to kill").
Launch from outside the atmosphere
One advantage of the Arrow 3 is its long range: approximately 2,400 kilometers. This corresponds to the range of a medium-range missile. Furthermore, the Arrow 3 is designed to intercept enemy missiles outside the atmosphere. This is particularly useful for unconventional weapons, such as those with biological or chemical warheads, as it helps prevent dangerous effects on the civilian population on the ground.
Unlike the Iron Dome, which has been deployed hundreds of times, Arrow 3 has not yet been known to have been used in a real emergency situation. However, it has passed several tests and has been considered operational in Israel since 2017. Israel has not yet sold the system to any other country. In 2021, the US and Israel announced they were already working on a new Arrow 4 system.
Great attention in Israel
Numerous media outlets in Israel have reported on Germany's intentions to acquire the "Arrow 3". Foreign Minister Eli Cohen (Likud) stated that the system is "a significant contribution to the security of Germany and Europe"; the German decision represents an "improvement in the strategic relations between Israel and Germany" and will strengthen the Israeli economy.
The Israeli news site "Walla" recently headlined that this could be the "largest arms deal in the country's history." Should the German government actually spend around 4 billion euros on the system—as currently estimated—this would be almost equivalent to the annual revenue of Israel Aerospace Industries, "Walla" further explained.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Likud) had already emphasized the symbolic dimension of the project in March: “During the Holocaust, the Jews were defenseless against Nazi Germany. 80 years later, Germany is attempting to acquire defense systems from the Jewish state.” However, “Arrow 3” is by no means the first Israeli military system to be used in Germany: Among the better-known systems already in use from Israel are Heron drones, leased by the German Armed Forces. (Israelnetz/Sandro Serafin)
