The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Germany’s parliament has approved a $3.1 billion agreement with Israel to further develop and deploy the long-range Arrow 3 missile defense system, a move Israeli officials describe as the largest defense export deal in the country’s history.
Israel’s Ministry of Defense said the approval, announced on
Wednesday, complements an initial Arrow 3 purchase agreement worth about $3.5
billion that was signed nearly two years ago. The Arrow 3 system is designed to
intercept long-range ballistic missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere and is
considered one of the most advanced missile defense systems in the world.
International media including Reuters and Associated Press
reported that the deal is part of Germany’s broader effort to strengthen its
air and missile defense capabilities amid growing security concerns in Europe,
particularly following Russia’s war in Ukraine. Analysts cited by Financial
Times and Wall Street Journal described the agreement as a strategic step that
deepens military cooperation between Israel and Europe and boosts Israel’s
defense industry.
However, the deal has also drawn criticism. BBC, Deutsche
Welle, The Guardian and Al Jazeera noted that the approval comes at a sensitive
time, as Israel faces intense international scrutiny over the war in Gaza.
Human rights groups have questioned Germany’s decision to expand defense cooperation,
warning that arms-related agreements risk undermining international efforts to
protect civilians. Germany announced on November 17 that it would lift
restrictions on arms exports to Israel, citing what it called a “stabilized
ceasefire” in Gaza and recent diplomatic progress in the region.
Germany is Israel’s second-largest arms supplier after the
United States. Despite ongoing political and ethical debates, European security
analysts say the Arrow 3 deal reflects Berlin’s prioritization of national and
continental defense, even as pressure continues over the humanitarian
consequences of conflicts in the Middle East.
