Germany officially approves $4.3 billion purchase of the Arrow-3 ballistic missile defence system for out-of-air ballistic missile interception

As expected, Germany has officially confirmed funds for the purchase of Israel's Arrow-3 missile defence system. The documents will be signed at the end of the year.

Here's What We Know

The deal will amount to €4bn ($4.3bn), €1bn ($1.08bn) more than originally planned. German lawmakers have approved an upfront payment of €560m ($600m). This was reported by Reuters news agency, citing a member of the German budget committee and the Israeli ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor.

The Arrow-3 is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2025. The advance payment will not be refundable. If Germany backs out of the deal, the $600 million will be compensation for the costs Israel will have incurred by then.

The Arrow-3 would be an excellent complement to the MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile systems, which are in service with the Bundeswehr. But while the American system covers the average level of air defence, the Israeli system will allow it to intercept air threats outside the atmosphere.

The anti-missile is equipped with a divert thrust vector rocket engine. It can shoot down enemy ballistic missiles with a launch range of up to 5,500 km. The complex includes a Super Green Pine radar station with an active phased antenna array and AN/TPY-2 radar, which operates in the X-band.

Source: Reuters