U.S. Approves $3.5 Billion Sale of Israeli Missile Defense System to Germany
The Arrow 3, considered the most advanced system of its kind, is meant to intercept long-range ballistic missiles before they reenter the atmosphere
The United States approved a $3.5 billion sale of Israel's Arrow-3 missile defense system to Germany, in what will be Israel's biggest-ever defense deal, the Israeli defense ministry said on Thursday.
Development and manufacturing of the system was led by the Israel Aerospace Industries, the Defense Ministry's Homa Administration for air-defense systems, and the U.S. Department of Defense's Missile Defense Agency.
In a ceremony scheduled for November, Israeli and German defense officials will sign a declaration of commitment of $600 million to allow for the project's immediate commencement. The details of the contract were agreed upon by both defense ministries and have been submitted for final approval by the German government.
The weaponry, missile interceptor and radar detection system of the Arrow 3 were developed by the Israel Aerospace Industries, led by President and CEO Boaz Levy. Its command and control technology was developed by Israel's Elbit Systems. The Tomer and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, both Israeli government companies, are the main subcontractors for producing the system's main interceptors. Stark Aerospace, owned by the Israel Aerospace Industries, is the main contractor in the U.S.