(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Germany will spend US$3.5 billion (RM15.75 billion) to acquire the anti-ballistic missile defense system “Arrow-3” to defend its airspace and the European continent under the “European Sky Shield Initiative” (ESSI) project.
The ESSI project involves three different air defense systems: Arrow-3, Patriot, and IRIS-T.
It is an effort to build an integrated air defense system for Europe, with the participation of 19 countries.
However, some European countries are reluctant to join the ESSI initiative and prefer to use air defense systems produced within the continent rather than relying on foreign-made systems from countries like the United States and Israel.
Among the countries rejecting ESSI are France and Poland.
ESSI is a layered air defense system, with Arrow-3 at the top, followed by Patriot and IRIS-T.
This development is driven by concerns that Europe may face aerial threats from Russia, especially after the events in Ukraine at the time.
The Arrow-3 air defense system has been developed by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and the RM15.75 billion contract for its acquisition is the largest ever reached by an Israeli defense company.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who described the acquisition of the Arrow-3 system as a historic moment, stated that it would make Germany’s air defense system more prepared for the future.
He said, “We can see how crucial air defense systems are through Russia’s daily attacks on Ukraine.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also called the acquisition of Arrow-3 a historic moment, as it comes about 80 years after six million Jews fell victim to the German army led by Adolf Hitler.
He stated, “Now Israel and Germany are building a safer future together.”
The Arrow-3 air defense system, with the capability to intercept targets up to 2,400 kilometers away, is designed to shoot down ballistic missiles or satellites at high altitudes.
It was jointly developed by Israel and the United States. Israel had to seek permission from the United States before selling the Arrow-3 air defense system to Germany due to the presence of American-made components.
Boeing is the American company involved in the development of the Arrow-3 system.
The Arrow-3 air defense system is a mobile system that Israel has been using since 2017 to defend against aerial attacks, whether they come in the form of rockets or guided projectiles from Iran and Syria. — DSA
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