The US government’s new strategy paper is putting pressure on NATO countries, and has added a sense of urgency to Germany’s efforts to invest more in its defense.
Last week, just ahead of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s inaugural visit to Israel, Germany took a major step forward by introducing the Arrow 3 missile defense system, which was jointly developed by Israel and the US. It is one of the most advanced systems in the world when it comes to defense against intercontinental missiles.
In the event of a missile attack from high altitude, the Arrow 3 is designed to be ejected before it re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere. This new defense system has now entered its first operational phase. The Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, wants to shoot down long-range and high-altitude missiles as soon as they enter space. This makes Germany the first country outside Israel to integrate the Arrow 3 into its defense system.
The introduction of this system is seen as a direct response to Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine and the growing threat from modern long-range missiles. Arrow 3 is now a key component of Germany’s new security policy, which marks a turning point for the country from 2022. This policy includes a significant increase in defense spending and the development of a multi-layered European air defense system.
Pistorius: Arrow 3 protects Germany and Europe
Defense Secretary Boris Pistorius said, “For the first time, it gives us the ability to give early warning and protect our population from long-range ballistic missiles.” This system, which is unique among European partners, ensures Germany’s central role at the heart of Europe. “That means we’re not only protecting ourselves, but also protecting our allies.” Pistorius said Germany is demonstrating that it is taking responsibility.
The Defense Ministry press release said: “In the event of a potential conflict, Germany’s central geographical location means it is potentially at risk from long-range ballistic weapons systems. For example, Russia has long-range missiles that can reach extreme altitudes and pose a serious threat in a crisis situation.”
At first, Germany had no way to respond to such threats. For a long time, NATO analyzes have warned about this vulnerability in Europe’s defense. Arrow 3 is meant to close that gap.
Hit-to-kill: accuracy rather than explosion
The IRIS-T air defense system covers short ranges up to about 15 kilometers, while the Patriot air defense system covers medium ranges up to about 50 kilometers – together, these defense systems can reach altitudes of up to about 50 kilometers.
Arrow 3, on the other hand, can intercept attacking missiles at altitudes up to 100 kilometers – beyond the Earth’s atmosphere – and has a range of up to 2,400 kilometers. These three systems together form a multi-layered missile defense system.
The Arrow 3 is known for its cutting-edge technology, but its price is high: an Arrow 3 interceptor missile is estimated to cost several million euros. The Patriot and IRIS-T are much less expensive and can be deployed in large numbers in an emergency.
Arrow 3 operates according to the so-called hit-to-kill principle: the incoming missile is destroyed not by explosives, but by direct impact. The interceptor missile strikes the target during its flight path before re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere.
This creates less debris than would be produced by an explosion, meaning it is safer to use in populated areas. To do this, the defense system requires precise control. The warhead also has its own sensors for aiming correction as the target approaches.
Protection against fast ballistic missiles
Similar to the Patriot, the Arrow 3 consists of three main mobile components: an early warning radar for rapid trajectory detection, a combat control system to analyze threats to decide on interception procedures, and a mobile launch system that carries the interceptor missiles.
This system is primarily designed to intercept ballistic missiles. These are weapons that follow a trajectory determined largely by gravity after launch. They are initially accelerated by rocket engines, then climb to high altitudes and can sometimes even reach space. Ultimately, they reached their goal.
Unlike cruise missiles, which are actively controlled throughout their flight, ballistic missiles are guided only during the launch phase. They are particularly difficult to intercept because they fly very fast, cover long distances and climb high in the atmosphere. For example, modern intercontinental missiles such as the Russian “Sarmat” reach speeds of more than 20,000 kilometers per hour.
Holzdorf: Germany’s first Arrow 3 site
The first site for the missile defense system is the Holzdorf military airfield near Schönewalde, south of Berlin, on the border between the three German federal states of Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony. Here, personnel, procedures and integration into the NATO air defense network are being tested.
Holzdorf would serve as a springboard to establish a nationwide shield against long-range missiles. Two further sites are planned in Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein. Full protection capability through the Arrow 3 system is expected by 2030. Distributing facilities across multiple sites should ensure that safety is maintained even if individual components fail in an emergency.
Arrow 3 was officially deployed by Israel in early 2017. Complementing the famous Iron Dome missile defense system, which primarily defends against attacks from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, the Arrow 3 was developed to defend against long-range missiles.
With this deployment in Germany, it is now part of the European air defense system European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), which Germany helped launch in October 2022.
Germany and Israel’s biggest arms deal
In late September 2023, Germany and Israel signed a deal in Berlin to purchase the Arrow 3 system – Israel’s largest arms deal to date. According to the German Defense Ministry, the deal is worth more than €3.6 billion ($4.2 billion). Part of this will go towards maintenance and support packages designed to ensure the system remains operational for decades to come.
However, this agreement is much more than just a billion euro deal. It strengthens the security partnership between Germany and Israel. For Europe, Arrow 3 is also a step toward greater independence from US defense systems.
This article was originally written in German.
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