Germany deploys Arrow system, a defence against Russian medium-range missiles

Germany became the first European country to deploy Israel's Arrow anti-aircraft system capable of intercepting medium-range ballistic missiles such as Russia's Oreshnik.

The system has a range of 2 400 kilometres and operates above the atmospheric boundary, complementing shorter ranges such as Patriot or IRIS-T.

The ceremony took place at the base in Holzdorf, south of Berlin. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius did not attend in person, but in a statement described the system as a strategic capability that strengthens both German and alliance defences.

The system is due to be fully operational by 2030 at three sites in the country. Germany paid 3.6 billion euros for it.

Arrow, which has already helped in repelling Iranian attacks on Israel, has attracted interest from several states. Berlin sees it as a key element of protection against Russian threats, especially medium-range missiles, while shorter-range missiles from Kaliningrad are to be dealt with by the Patriot system.

(reuters, mja)