Key facts
- Israel expects significant new orders for air and missile defense systems from European countries.
- European nations are increasing defense spending due to perceived threats from Russia.
- Israel's defense ministry is in discussions for contracts involving Arrow, David's Sling, and Iron Dome systems.
- One contract is anticipated within weeks, with further orders possible by year-end.
- The expected contracts are described as involving 'not minor numbers'.
Israel anticipates a surge in orders for its air and missile defense systems from European nations, driven by escalating concerns over Russia's actions and potential aggression. Moshe Patel, director of Israel's Missile Defense Organization, stated that significant interest exists from Western Europe, with at least one contract expected within weeks.
Patel indicated that the demand is largely fueled by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, prompting European countries to bolster their defenses against various threats, including those potentially posed by Iran. Israel's defense offerings include the Arrow system, designed to intercept intermediate-range ballistic missiles like Russia's Oreshnik, which has already been sold to Germany. Finland has acquired David's Sling, a system capable of downing missiles fired from 100 to 200 kilometers away. Discussions are also reportedly underway for the Iron Dome system, which is designed to counter short-range threats.