Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
Germany on Wednesday inaugurated the first elements of the sophisticated Arrow 3 missile defense system, which it is buying from Israel as it moves to strengthen its air defenses following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Arrow 3 is designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles. The first part of the system was inaugurated at the Schönewalde base south of Berlin, and more sites are to follow.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that, with the new system, Germany is for the first time obtaining early-warning and protection capability against long-range ballistic missiles.
“With this strategic capability, which is unique among our European partners, we are securing our central role at the heart of Europe,” Pistorius said in a statement. “So we are protecting not just ourselves but also our partners.”
Germany and Israel signed an agreement for Berlin to buy the system in September 2023, weeks after Israel secured U.S. approval for the deal. That was needed because the system was developed jointly with the United States.
Germany’s Defense Ministry puts the total cost of the project at 3.8 billion euros ($4.4 billion). Spokesperson Mitko Müller said the plan is for further elements to be put in place step by step.
Germany aims to integrate the system into wider NATO and European air defense efforts.
Israel has long relied on a multilayered missile defense system, including the Arrow, to protect communities around the country from rocket barrages from militants in Gaza or Lebanon, and more recently from rebels in Yemen and from Iran.