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Capabilities and true cost of Arrow 3 missile defence system

 The danger environment for Germany has shifted as a result of the Russian action in Ukraine. Overview of how the Arrow 3 missile defence system will currently protect Europe and the locations of the initial systems.

arrow 3 missile defence
Arrow 3 missile defence system


It is the biggest weaponry trade in Israeli history and an independent measure of security for Germany.


The USA, the system’s cooperating partner, has authorised the sale of the Arrow 3 missile defence system to Germany, according to the Israeli Ministry of Defence. The federal government may start a new chapter in German and European air defence with no obstacles in its path.


How the Arrow-3 missile system work?


A European air defence system is proposed to incorporate the Arrow-3 system. A strategic anti-missile barrier has been in the works for years at NATO.


But so far, only the southeasterly flank has been targeted. The initial parts for such a system to be able to block Iranian missiles were developed in Romania by the USA. The north-east would then get a significant portion of the German contribution to the European anti-missile shield.


Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP), the chair of the defence committee in the Bundestag, said she was “very relieved” by the information. She informed the dpa news agency that the system will be operating by the end of 2025. Additionally, Strack-Zimmermann reiterated that the system need to be a component of a European air defence system.


Three areas in Germany will have the anti-missile shield installed: in Schleswig-Holstein, Bavaria, and close to Berlin. At the Holzdorf/Schönewalde air base on the border of Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg, the system is expected to begin using by 2025.


What can Arrow 3 missile system do?


The third generation of the arrow, which when translated meaning arrow, is particularly unique due to its range among other qualities. It need to have a range of 2400 kilometres and a maximum altitude of more than 100 km. Even hostile long-range space missiles can be deflected.


The defence of German cities is not reliant on the placement of the system because of the anti-missiles’ extensive range.


Additionally, the engines in the driving stages of an Arrow anti-missile may be turned at any time. Without any predetermined targets, the defence missile can be launched in the case of an alarm.


The Arrow-3 anti-missile is steered to the oncoming enemy missile while in flight with the use of ground-penetrating radar. The missile’s proximity fuse and fragmentation warhead may still kill the target even if it narrowly misses it.


The system is made up of a command and control centre, radars, launchers, and guided missiles.


Israel installed the system in order to prevent assaults from Iran using medium-range missiles. The renowned Iron Dome, one of the nation’s three air defence systems, guards against mortar rounds and short-range rockets fired from the seized regions. Arrow is only one of these systems. The David’s Sling defence system is intended to thwart future air and ballistic missile assaults.


How expensive the Arrow 3 deal between Germany and Israel?


The agreement is not well recognised. After the commencement of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, there was discussion of a total cost of two billion euros when the intentions to purchase Arrow 3 first emerged.


However, the amount was already regarded as being quite little. The two billion euros should only be used for the purchase price, according to the military. There are still no provisions for operation, training, or armament. Additionally, the armament in particular could be pricey: For instance, the Patriot systems cost $400 million for 50 defence missiles.


Israeli sources claim that the acquisition will cost close to four billion euros. The budget and defence committees approved the acquisition in June, and it is believed that the funding for it would come from the Bundeswehr’s 100 billion special fund.


Israel also celebrates the unity. Yoav Galant, Israel’s defence minister, mentioned a “significant decision” that would also help the country’s economy. Arrow 3 is a “groundbreaking system, the most advanced of its kind in the world, a power booster for Israel’s air defences — and soon for Europe,” he claimed.


The Israeli ambassador in Berlin, Ron Prosor, does not only attach historical importance to the delivery on a technical level: “As Israel’s ambassador to Germany, I am proud that the nation-state of the Jewish people, 75 years after its founding, is helping to improve Germany and Europe to protect.”