German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Israel’s Yoav Gallad signed an agreement today for the supply of the long-range Arrow-3 anti-ballistic missile system. This is the largest defense agreement between the two countries to date, amounting to almost 4 billion euros. Mr. Pistorius spoke of a “historic day”.

“With the Arrow-3 agreement, Israel is making a significant contribution to our security in Germany, to our security in Europe, to the security of our airspace. It’s a historic day,” Mr Pistorius said, adding that Berlin’s aim was to integrate the system into the NATO shield “so that our neighbors can use that protection”.

Mr. Gallad, for his part, emphasized that the agreement – “the largest between Israel and Germany” – shows the level of partnership between the two countries.

“Since the restoration of our relations, Germany has made a significant contribution to Israel’s security. Today we proudly do the same for Germany – a strategic partner, a European leader. Just 80 years after the end of World War II, Israel and Germany today join hands in building a safer future for both nations,” said the Israeli minister. Mr. Gallad’s parents survived the Holocaust and he emphasized that “the agreement is a moving event for every Jew.”

The Arrow-3, Mr Gallad explained, was developed by Israel’s Missile Defense Agency and Israel Aerospace Industries and is one of the most advanced systems of its kind – it is designed to detect, intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles .

Israel, he added, has such sophisticated defense systems because since its founding it has had to maintain a quality advantage in order to survive. “Today Israel is ready to expand its security and industrial cooperation with more international partners (…) Israel, Germany and other potential partners we face common threats,” said Mr. Gallad, referring to Iran. “The Iranian drones used to kill innocent civilians around the world are just a foretaste of what the world will see if the embargo expires next month. In the face of Iranian aggression, we must prioritize both our ability and readiness to defend ourselves and bold actions in the international community,” he continued.

From the German side it is emphasized that the system should be operational by the end of 2025 at the latest, with Boris Pistorius arguing that “with the Arrow-3″ the gap in our capabilities in territorial missile defense and the German air defense will be ready for the future.”