Germany Advances Israeli Defense Deals
Germany deepened its security relationship with Israel by approving a contract worth over €350m with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Haifa-based defense company, to supply 90 Litening 5 targeting and navigation pods for Eurofighter Typhoon jets. The system, deployed by 28 air forces worldwide, enhances precision air-to-ground capabilities at ranges of up to 100 kilometers.
The deal is part of a wider thrust in German-Israeli defense ties. Elbit Systems, based in Herzliya and a leader in defense electronics, secured a USD 260m agreement to provide DIRCM protection systems for German aircraft. At the same time, Israel Aerospace Industries, headquartered near Tel Aviv and the country’s largest aerospace and defense contractor, finalized a record NIS 14bn transaction for the Arrow 3 interceptor system, a cornerstone in ballistic missile defense.
These contracts move ahead despite Chancellor Merz’s announcement of an arms embargo on Israel over Gaza operations. Exempt from the restrictions, they highlight Germany’s determination to drive defense capacity while relying on Israeli innovation across critical air combat and missile defense platforms.
Read more in Calcalist.
