Holzdorf: Germany has officially activated the first operational unit of the Arrow 3 missile defense system, marking a historic moment as the country becomes the first in Europe to deploy the advanced long-range ballistic missile interceptor. The system, installed at the Holzdorf/Schönewalde airbase roughly 100 kilometres south of Berlin, represents a major expansion of Germany’s defense architecture at a time of escalating security concerns over Russia’s missile capabilities.
The Arrow 3 system, jointly developed by Israel and the United States, is designed to intercept ballistic missiles at altitudes of more than 100 kilometres outside the Earth’s atmosphere. This exo-atmospheric interception capability enables Germany to neutralize potential threats long before they enter European airspace. With a maximum range of approximately 2,400 kilometres, the system adds a powerful upper-tier shield to Germany’s existing air defense network.
The deployment is part of a €3.6 billion procurement approved in 2023, with Germany planning to establish additional Arrow batteries in the country’s north, south, and central regions. Full operational readiness is expected by 2030, significantly extending national and allied defense coverage.
Until now, Germany has relied primarily on medium-range systems such as the Patriot and the IRIS-T SLM to provide protection from tactical missiles, aircraft, and drones. The addition of Arrow 3 fills the previously missing long-range, high-altitude defensive layer crucial in an era when technologically advanced ballistic missiles are being rapidly developed and deployed.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius hailed the deployment as a strategic milestone. “With this unique system, we reinforce not only our national defense but also strengthen our commitment to the security of Europe,” he said during the activation ceremony. “Germany stands as a central pillar for the protection of our allies.”
Germany’s decision comes against the backdrop of increasing alarm over Russia’s evolving missile inventory, reportedly including intermediate-range ballistic systems capable of striking European territory. Intelligence assessments and NATO monitoring have highlighted the vulnerability of Europe’s air and missile defense networks amid Moscow’s widening use of hypersonic and long-range weapons.
The Arrow 3 system is specifically designed to counter such threats by intercepting missiles during their mid-course phase, far from populated areas. Defense analysts note that this reduces the risk posed by debris or warheads falling over civilian territories.
The deployment aligns closely with the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a multinational effort led by Germany to create an integrated, layered European missile defense network. By becoming the first to field Arrow 3, Germany sets the benchmark for future ESSI participants and demonstrates leadership in continental deterrence strategy.
Military officials say the system will eventually provide protection not just for Germany, but for large parts of Europe especially as NATO continues to evaluate collective missile-defense integrations across member states.
The arrival of Arrow 3 in Europe is widely seen as a major turning point in the continent’s defense posture. It is the first time an exo-atmospheric missile interceptor has been installed on European soil, giving NATO unprecedented early-phase interception capabilities. Security experts believe the move will serve as a strong deterrent message to adversaries and may prompt other European nations to pursue similar advanced defensive technologies.
As geopolitical tensions deepen and missile threats increase, Germany’s deployment of Arrow 3 marks a decisive step in fortifying the continent’s defense framework—one that could shape the future of European security for decades.