Business
Germany and Israel sign an agreement for Berlin to buy a US-Israeli missile defense system
BERLIN -- Germany and Israel on Thursday signed an agreement for Berlin to buy the sophisticated Arrow 3 missile defense system, designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles. The development is the latest step in Berlin's bid to strengthen its air defenses following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Germany aims to integrate the system into wider NATO air defense efforts. Last year, Berlin launched the European Sky Shield Initiative, which now includes 19 countries.
Israel secured U.S. approval in August for the $3.5 billion deal, which was needed because the system was jointly developed with the United States.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant signed a memorandum of understanding in Berlin on Thursday for the purchase of Arrow 3.
“It is, without exaggerating, a historic day for both our countries,” Pistorius told reporters, describing Arrow as “one of the best systems, if not the best.”
“We see from the daily Russian attacks on Ukraine how important air defense is in general,” he added. “Air defense is essential, and particularly for us here in the center of Europe.”
Germany plans to start using Arrow in late 2025, with the system then being built up step by step.
Gallant said that “with two simple signatures today, we made History" and that Israel is “committed to a timely and effective delivery.”
“This is a moving event for every Jew,” he added, pointing to Israel's partnership with Germany decades after the Holocaust and to German contributions to Israel's security.
“Only 80 years since the end of the second world war, yet Israel and Germany join hands today in building a safer future for both nations,” Gallant said.
-
Business6h ago
US long-term care costs are sky-high, but Washington state’s new way to help pay for them could be nixed
-
Business11h ago
Rhode Island Weather for April 30, 2024 – John Donnelly, meteorologist
-
Business11h ago
Joe Andruzzi Foundation launches UniCORN: Comprehensive New England cancer resources
-
Business15h ago
The Importance of Accounting and Tax Services for Individuals and Businesses
-
Business23h ago
Higher Education Access Key In 2025 New York State Budget
-
Business1d ago
Next-Level Networking: Small Businesses Embrace Unique Business Card Strategies
-
Business1d ago
Scott Dylan: Pioneering Fresh Thinking in Entrepreneurship
-
Business1d ago
Rhode Island Weather for April 29, 2024 – John Donnelly