War drawing closer? "Space Arrow" activated – Europe's most powerful system PHOTO

The system, purchased from an Israeli company for €3.6 billion, has been deployed as part of Germany’s effort to strengthen defenses against what Berlin views as the growing threat from Moscow.

The Arrow system operates at altitudes above 100 kilometers, outside Earth’s atmosphere, with a range of approximately 2,400 kilometers. As a stationary system, it complements existing short-range mobile air defense systems, such as the Patriots and IRIS-T, Reuters reports.

According to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), several countries have expressed interest in acquiring the system after Arrow successfully intercepted Iranian missile attacks on Israel in April and October 2024.

JAN WOITAS / AFP / Profimedia

At a ceremony at the Holzdorf Air Base, about 100 kilometers south of Berlin, German Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the importance of the new system for early warning and the protection of the population and infrastructure.

"With this strategic capability, unique among our European partners, we strengthen our key role at the heart of Europe. In doing so, we protect not only ourselves but also our allies, reinforcing NATO’s European pillar and fulfilling the Alliance’s objectives," Pistorius highlighted.

JAN WOITAS / AFP / Profimedia

Germany plans for the system, which is expected to cover the entire country and be deployed at three locations—in the north, south, and central regions—to become fully operational by 2030.

The system was developed in collaboration between the Israeli company Israel Aerospace Industries and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, and represents the highest layer of Israel’s missile defense shield, alongside the Iron Dome, which covers short-range threats.

Berlin purchased the Arrow system in 2023 for €3.6 billion, assessing that Russian medium-range missiles pose the greatest threat to its population and critical infrastructure.

In contrast, shorter-range Russian Iskander missiles, deployed in Kaliningrad about 500 kilometers from Berlin, are considered a threat that is primarily countered by Patriot system units.