Israel expects additional orders from European countries for its air and missile defence systems in the near future, with at least one contract likely to be signed within weeks, a senior official at the country’s defence ministry said.
The official said demand for advanced air defence capabilities continues to rise as European governments respond to heightened security concerns stemming from Russia’s war in Ukraine and broader regional instability, including developments in the Middle East.
“There’s a huge interest from Europe, from Western Europe,” Moshe Patel, director and general manager of the Israeli Missile Defense Organization, told reporters on the sidelines of last week’s Berlin airshow, according to Reuters. He declined to identify the countries involved.
Israel has already secured major defence exports to Europe, including the Arrow system sold to Germany. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries in cooperation with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, Arrow is designed to intercept intermediate-range ballistic missiles, including threats comparable to Russia’s Oreshnik.
Finland has also purchased Israel’s David’s Sling system, which is designed to intercept ballistic missiles at ranges of roughly 100 to 200 kilometers (62 to 124 miles), as European nations accelerate efforts to strengthen layered air defence networks. Russia has denied any intent to pursue aggression in Europe.
Patel said demand is largely driven by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and broader security spillovers. “Of course, they’re looking very carefully what is happening in Iran and whatever will be good against Russia could be good for Iran,” he said. “Whatever they’re doing, it will be good for all those kinds of threats.”
He added that interest extends beyond Arrow and David’s Sling to Israel’s Iron Dome system, which is designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery threats. “It’s a huge advantage to those nations that have enemies right on their borders,” Patel said, describing its ability to protect cities and strategic assets.
Asked about the timing of new deals, Patel said at least one contract is expected to be finalized within weeks, with additional agreements possible by year’s end as negotiations progress.
“There are discussions that maybe by the end of the year we’re going to hear about more nations,” he said. “So it looks like the decision-making by those nations is expedited.”
He declined to specify expected contract values but said ongoing talks involve “not minor numbers.”
