Germany considers buying Israeli-style missile defence system

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has confirmed that Germany is considering buying a missile defence system, similar to the one in use in Israel. The system, which is expected to cost 2 billion euros, could be operational by 2025.

German chancellor confirms defence spending

On Sunday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that his government is looking into buying a missile defence system, one that could not only offer protection for Germany but other neighbouring EU countries as well. "[A missile defence system] is certainly among the things we are discussing, for good reason," Scholz told reporters. "We must all prepare ourselves for the fact that we have a neighbour presently ready to use force to assert its interests."

Scholz previously announced a 100-billion-euro fund aimed at strengthening Germany’s military and defences. German media previously reported that Germany was considering buying an Israeli Arrow 3 missile defence system, which would cost an estimated 2,2 billion euros. The radar system would be installed across three sites in different German states, with the data being sent to a central location constantly monitored by military personnel.

The Arrow system should not be confused with Israel’s famous “Iron Dome”. The Iron Dome defends against low-flying, short-range missiles, something that Germany already has covered through its Patriot system.

Germany to bolster European security

Scholz has so far declined to give any more details on the plan, asserting that nothing was finalised yet. However, Andreas Schwarz (SPD), who sits on the parliamentary budget committee, told reporters: “We must better protect ourselves against the Russian threat. To do that, we need quickly an anti-missile shield for Germany.” According to German media, the Arrow 3 radar system is so powerful it can also provide cover for the Baltic countries, as well as Romania and Poland. “We would then play a key role for the security of Europe,” said Schwarz.

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, the chairperson of the Defence Committee, also confirmed that Berlin was considering buying the missile defence system. “Given the threat situation and the different weapons systems that Russia has, of course, you have to look at that, so in that sense it makes sense,” she told Welt.