Germany has become the first European country to use the Arrow air defense system, which is designed to intercept intermediate-range ballistic missiles like Russia’s Oreshnik. This system operates above 100 kilometers and has a range of 2,400 kilometers, complementing shorter-range systems such as Patriot and IRIS-T. After successfully defending against Iranian missile attacks in 2024, many countries are interested in the technology.
During a ceremony at an air base in Holzdorf, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the system’s importance for early warning and protecting the public and infrastructure. He stated that Germany’s strategic capabilities strengthen its role in Europe and support NATO. The Arrow system, which will cover the entire country, is set to be fully operational by 2030 and will be placed in three locations across Germany.
Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries with the U. S., Arrow enhances Israel’s missile defense alongside the Iron Dome. Germany purchased the system for 3.6 billion euros, viewing Russia’s intermediate-range missiles as a significant threat. In contrast, Russia’s shorter-range missiles are primarily addressed by Patriot units. NATO’s eastern expansion has brought defense closer to Poland and the Baltics, but Germany remains vital for any potential conflict response.
With information from Reuters
