Israel calls deal “historic”
Finns buy missile defense “David’s Slingshot”
November 12, 2023, 3:17 p.m
When it comes to missile defense, hardly any country is as knowledgeable as Israel. NATO countries also want to benefit from the know-how. Finland is investing 317 million euros for this.
Israel says it has signed an agreement with new NATO member Finland to sell its “David’s Sling” missile defense system. The Israeli Defense Ministry described the €317 million deal as “historic.” According to him, the system, developed together with US companies, is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones and other aircraft.
Finland, which became NATO’s 31st member in April, announced its plan to purchase “David’s Sling” shortly afterwards.
In September, Israel had already concluded an agreement with Germany to supply its Arrow 3 anti-missile shield. According to Israeli information, the arms business has a volume of around 3.3 billion euros. According to current status, the system, which was produced in collaboration with the US company Boeing, should be operational in Germany to a limited extent by the end of 2025.
Germany buys Arrow 3
The Arrow 3 mobile air defense system is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles above the atmosphere fired from a distance of up to 2,400 kilometers. It is intended to better protect Germany from air raids in the future. According to Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, it should also be integrated into NATO’s air defense.
As a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Germany launched an initiative for a new European air defense last year, the “European Sky Shield” initiative. The aim of the protective shield is to close gaps in air defense.
Different systems are to be integrated into the defense shield suggested by Germany that are suitable for defending against medium and long-range missiles or armed drones – also for protection against possible attacks from Russia.