The Arrow 3 missile defence system, purchased from Israel, is designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles at altitudes exceeding 100 kilometres, outside the Earth’s atmosphere. This capability was not previously part of Germany’s air defence system and is intended to enhance protection against potential long-range threats.
Germany’s air defence capabilities have been partially reduced since the end of the Cold War but are now being expanded. The decision to acquire Arrow 3 missile defence system aligns with Germany’s participation in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), which aims to strengthen European missile defence in response to changing security conditions, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The first of three planned fire control bases for the Arrow 3 system is being established at Holzdorf Airbase, which lies on the border between Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt. Construction at this site is expected to be completed by 2028, allowing for the gradual deployment of the system.
For the remaining two planned bases, preliminary documentation is being prepared for sites in northern Germany. No locations have been selected yet for the southern bases, with planning scheduled to take place in a later phase.
The Arrow 3 missile defence system will fill a gap in Germany’s missile defence network, providing a long-range interception capability that was previously unavailable.
Source: Haaretz.
