Pistorius: Arrow 3 enhances German and European air defense

Germany's air defence capabilities, alongside those of its allies, are set to be significantly enhanced with the activation of the initial components of the Arrow 3 missile defence system, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced in Berlin.

"For the first time, we now possess the means for early warning and protection of our population and critical infrastructure against long-range ballistic missiles," Pistorius stated. "This strategic capability, unique among our European partners, reinforces Germany's central role within Europe."

The German Air Force plans to declare the system's initial operational capability on Wednesday at Schnewalde/Holzdorf air base, approximately 80 kilometres south of Berlin. This location is the first of three planned Arrow 3 sites across Germany.

The military explained that the first elements of the system including radar, launchers, and trained personnel are now functional and able to carry out protective operations on a limited basis. NATO refers to this stage as Initial Operational Capability (IOC), which precedes Full Operational Capability (FOC), when the system will reach its full functionality and all planned operations can be executed.

"Through this system, we are safeguarding not only Germany but also our allies. We strengthen NATO's European defence framework and meet key NATO planning objectives," Pistorius added, acknowledging Germany's responsibility. He also expressed gratitude to Israeli and US partners who co-developed the system, as well as the military and civilian personnel involved. Notably, the contract for Arrow 3 was signed only two years ago.

Germanys First Long-Range Missile Defence Shield

The Arrow 3 system is expected to provide Germany with the ability to detect and intercept ballistic missiles outside Earth's atmosphere for the first time. According to the manufacturer, it is designed to destroy long-range threats, including those potentially carrying weapons of mass destruction, while neutralizing harmful substances such as chemical agents safely at high altitudes.

German armed forces are investing 3.6 billion ($4.2 billion) in the system, marking its first deployment outside Israel. This effort forms part of a broader push to strengthen Germanys air defence capabilities, including the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), which aims to develop a continental missile defence network in response to security challenges stemming from Russias war in Ukraine. To date, 23 partner countries have joined the project.

Author: Sophia Brooks