Germany signs 'historic' deal with Israel to buy missile defense system

GENEVA

Germany and Israel on Thursday signed an agreement for Berlin's purchase of the Arrow 3 missile defense system.

The defense ministers of Germany and Israel, Boris Pistorius and Joav Galant, signed a memorandum of understanding for the purchase in Berlin. The procurement authorities of both countries also signed an agreement on the start of Arrow 3 production.

The agreement is seen as a sign of further strengthening the special relationship between Germany and Israel. The acquisition of the missile defense system is Berlin's response to the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.

Pistorius and Galant spoke of a "historic day for both nations." Pistorius said that the Arrow 3 system is "one of the best, if not the best system" and thus "Germany's air defense is well positioned for the future."

He added that with "daily Russian attacks on Ukraine, we see how important air defense is in general."

Pistorius also said that the agreement between Germany and Israel "makes an important contribution to the security of Germany and Europe."

Galant, for his part, said: "We have made history. This moment dictates our common future." The agreement, he added, is "a tangible proof that Israel and Germany are true partners."

"Relations between the two countries have reached a level where we share intimate, sensitive intelligence and military knowledge and capabilities," he added.

According to the Israeli defense minister, "since there have been relations between the two states, Germany has made a great contribution to Israel's security." Today, he added, "we are proud to do the same for Germany."

The agreement is expected to total $3.5 billion, according to German defense officials. Previously, the US government had to approve the delivery to Germany because the missile defense system is being jointly developed and produced by Israel and the US.

The agreement is Israel's largest arms deal ever. Berlin intends to pay for the purchase of the system with a "special fund" set up by the government for the German military.