Germany is moving forward with a €4 billion arms deal with an Israeli company for the European Sky Shield Initiative, a defence system similar to the Iron Dome. The Arrow 3 missile defense system is at the heart of this initiative, with Germany signing a declaration of intent for the deal in September 2023. Despite controversy surrounding the deal, it was formalized by the Bundestag in November.
The Sky Shield Initiative includes three tiers of missile defense – short, medium, and long-range. German companies Rheinmetall, Diehl Defense, and Hensoldt are the main manufacturers of the defense systems.
The Arrow 3 system, developed by Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) in cooperation with Boeing, can intercept long-range ballistic missiles. IAI has stated that the Arrow 3 is the most affordable defense system available.
Critics of the deal have raised concerns about Germany’s sale of weapons to Israel, especially in light of the conflict with Hamas. Calls for an arms embargo from the UN, EU civil servants, and Belgium have not resulted in any action by the European Union.
Countries like Austria, Denmark, and Lithuania have shown interest in procuring defense systems under the Sky Shield Initiative. Germany’s involvement in the initiative has led to deals worth billions of euros with various manufacturers.
Despite the controversy surrounding the arms deal, Germany remains committed to its procurement plans for the Arrow 3 system and other defense systems under the Sky Shield Initiative.
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