Israel says US approves record-breaking Arrow missile defense deal to Germany

The US has approved Israel’s request to sell the Arrow-3 missile system to Germany, the Israeli defence ministry said Thursday, in what will become Israel’s largest-ever defence deal.

The approval paves the way for Israel and Germany to sign a landmark $3.5 billion defence agreement, according to the Israeli defence ministry.

Israeli officials had been informed of the approval by the US Department of State on Thursday, according to a spokesperson for Israel’s Ministry of Defense.

Israel and the United States have been jointly developing the multi-billion-dollar Arrow missile defence system since 1986.

The Arrow 3 system is designed to intercept exo-atmospheric ballistic missiles, enabling interceptions at high altitudes above the atmosphere.

Gallant added that the decision would “contribute to Israel’s force buildup and economy” and that Germany acquiring Israeli defense systems was “meaningful to every Jewish person.”