NIGERIA TV INFO

Germany has officially taken delivery of Israel’s Arrow 3 long-range missile defence system, completing a landmark €4 billion agreement — the largest defence export deal in Israel’s history.

The formal handover ceremony was held on Wednesday at Holzdorf Air Base in eastern Germany, roughly 120 kilometres south of Berlin. The deployment marks several historic milestones:

The first time Arrow 3 is being stationed outside Israel and the United States.

The first instance of another nation operating the system independently.

The beginning of a wider rollout across additional German military sites.

High-Level Israeli Delegation Present

A strong Israeli defence delegation attended the ceremony, including:

Amir Baram — Director General, Israel Ministry of Defence

Danny Gold — Head, Directorate of Defence Research & Development

Boaz Levy — CEO, Israel Aerospace Industries

Moshe Patel — Director, Missile Defence Organization

Their presence underscored the strategic and technological importance of the deal, which enhances Germany’s long-range ballistic missile defence capabilities amid rising security concerns in Europe.

German Leadership Absent

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Chancellor Friedrich Merz were notably absent, German media reported. However, senior military commanders and defence officials represented the German government at the event.

The Arrow 3 system — co-developed by Israel and the United States — is designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside the earth’s atmosphere, offering one of the most advanced missile-shield capabilities in the world.

Germany’s acquisition is expected to significantly strengthen NATO’s overall air- and missile-defence posture as tensions continue to reshape European security dynamics.