Germany is moving ahead with its planned acquisition of the Israeli-made Arrow-3 anti-ballistic missile defense system, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post.
The announcement was made after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with US President Joe Biden earlier this month to discuss defense issues.
The chancellor was given approval in principle by the US to purchase the Arrow 3 missile system for 3 billion euros ($3.1 billion).
According to the report, the German defense ministry will sign a letter of intent to purchase the system in around two weeks.
However, the acquisition needs parliamentary approval, raising concerns that it may face further delays until the fall session.
Long-Awaited Approval
Germany’s move to import sophisticated air defense systems is fueled by the ongoing war between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
Berlin recognizes that if Moscow turns its sights on Western Europe, its current defense capabilities may be insufficient to fend off high-powered Russian weapons.
The only missile defense system in service with the German military is the US-made Patriot, leading the government to push for the acquisition of the Arrow-3.
However, the plan experienced significant delays because the US did not immediately greenlight the purchase despite months of persuasion by Israel and Germany.
“Since then, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and other officials have contacted Washington several times seeking approval for the deal. It is needed as 80 percent of the system’s development costs, an estimated $2.2 billion, came from US taxpayer money,” Israel Hayom reported last year.
It also noted that the Arrow-3 includes technological components developed in the US.