Germany bets on Israel's tech to create joint 'cyber dome' defense system amid rising global threats

The deepening cooperation between the intelligence and security services of the two countries also includes the creation of a joint German-Israeli cyber research center.

"Military defense alone is not sufficient for this turning point in security. A significant upgrade in civil defence is also essential to strengthen our overall defensive capabilities," Dobrindt said during a visit to Israel.

Dobrindt, recently appointed Minister in Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government, outlined a five-point plan aimed at creating the "cyber dome." The cybersecurity units of Germany and Israel will support their operation.

Germany is one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe. Berlin aims to leverage Israel's defense experience as Germany’s military potential is actively expanding amid threats from Russia and China.

Germany and nuclear weapons

Another area of Germany's military buildup is nuclear weapons. Berlin does not have its own nuclear arsenal but is open to gaining access to nuclear warheads from France and the United Kingdom as part of creating a pan-European "nuclear umbrella" to replace the American nuclear deterrent forces.

Currently, only two European countries have nuclear weapons. Of these, only France allows the deployment of its nuclear weapons on allied territory, thereby replacing the US nuclear forces in Europe. Among other things, France can deploy its nuclear-armed fighter jets in Germany.

At the same time, not all German politicians agree that the American "nuclear shield" can be replaced. For example, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius believes Europe has no alternative to the US nuclear arsenal.