Germany has officially inaugurated the initial components of its advanced Arrow 3 missile defence system, acquired from Israel. The strategic move aims to bolster the nation's aerial protection following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This sophisticated system, engineered to intercept long-range ballistic missiles, saw its first operational elements unveiled on Wednesday at the Schonewalde base, south of Berlin. Further installations are planned across the country.
"I do not think the timing of Iron Mace is in response to any particular event, but it is an overdue exercise to learn effective ways to prevent and counter a possible North Korean nuclear threat," said Chun In-bum, a retired lieutenant general in the South Korean army and now a senior fellow with the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. "And even though we may not be able to link these exercises with a single event in the North, it is clear that the North is becoming increasingly militarily capable and the alliance needs to be prepared for a possible nuclear scenario on the peninsula in order to prevent it," he told DW.
Israel's Arrow system has successfully defended against significant missile attacks, demonstrating its effectiveness and the need for an advanced next-generation interceptor to address evolving threats.