Germany becomes first in Europe to deploy Arrow‑3 missile defense system: What makes it special
Illustrative photo: missile defense system (Getty Images)
Germany deploys the Arrow‑3 system for the first time, capable of intercepting and destroying ballistic missiles in space, according to Merkur.de.
On December 3, 2025, Germany commissioned the advanced Arrow‑3 missile defense system. The launch ceremony was attended by Bundeswehr Inspector General Carsten Breuer and Air Force Inspector Holger Neumann.
The state-of-the-art equipment is located in Holzdorf, Saxony-Anhalt, and together with the new Bundespolizei counter-drone unit, now forms a powerful shield against aerial threats.
The Israeli long-range interceptor system Arrow‑3 is similar in purpose and capability to the American THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense). Both systems are designed to destroy ballistic missiles at high altitudes, before the warhead enters the denser layers of the atmosphere.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) called Arrow‑3 "a decisive step in strengthening Germany’s air defense."
The system is intended to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles at high altitudes beyond the atmosphere. Using hit-to-kill technology, the missile directly strikes and destroys its target before an enemy warhead can reach its objective.
In Germany, Arrow‑3 will become part of a multi-layered defense system that includes American Patriot missiles and German IRIS‑T SLM systems.
Pistorius emphasized that the system provides early warning and protection for the population and critical infrastructure against long-range ballistic missiles. The minister described this capability as "unique among European partners," highlighting Germany’s central role in the heart of Europe and fulfilling NATO’s strategic planning objectives.
Technical specifications of the Arrow‑3 system:
- Purpose: interception of ballistic missiles
- Target: medium‑range missiles, potentially carrying WMD
- Intercept altitude: over 100 km
- Platform: land‑based and sea‑based
- Reaction time: up to 30 seconds
- Interception method: body‑to‑body with vector control
- Missile cost: $2–3 million (2010)
- Total system cost: €3.6 billion.
Germany strengthens its defense
Alongside Arrow‑3, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) unveiled a new Bundespolizei counter-drone unit, which will include around 130 additional personnel. The unit will be responsible for detecting, intercepting, and, if necessary, neutralizing dangerous drones. A joint counter-drone center will be opened before the end of the year, combining resources from both the federal and state police.
Indeed, in recent months, there has been an increase in the activity of unidentified drones over Germany — near airports, ports, and critical infrastructure, including LNG terminals. The government suspects Russia may be behind some of these incidents, although no direct evidence has been confirmed.
Arrow‑3, together with the new counter-drone unit, provides modern protection for German and European critical infrastructure, ensuring strategic advantage and citizen safety in the event of aerial threats.
