Israel: European defence ties to increase amid Russia concerns
Germany has purchased the Arrow air defence system, designed to intercept intermediate-range ballistic missiles, such as Russia's Oreshnik; the system is produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Israel’s defence industry is expected to flourish amid reports that European nations are increasingly seeking defence ties over concerns about Russia, according to Al-Monitor and agencies on June 15th.
An Israeli Defence Ministry official said that Israel expects European nations to order more air and missile defence systems amid growing security concerns about Russia, which is driving interest in systems designed to counter intermediate-range ballistic missiles and short-range rockets.
Finland has purchased David’s Sling, which is designed to shoot down ballistic missiles fired from 100 km to 200 km (62 to 124 miles) away.
Germany has purchased the Arrow air defence system, designed to intercept intermediate-range ballistic missiles, such as Russia’s Oreshnik; the system is produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
IAI is one of several defence contractors to face criticism over alleged complicity in war crimes amid Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza; others include Elbit Systems and Rafael.
Eurospike, a European-based Rafael subsidiary, signed a deal in October 2025 to supply the German military with anti-tank missiles.
Human Rights Watch has condemned ongoing arms sales to Israel over concerns about Israeli war crimes in Lebanon.
European nations, including Britain, France, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Serbia, have continued defence cooperation with Israel despite concerns about human rights violations.
The US is Israel’s largest arms supplier, accounting for 53% of Israel’s total conventional arms imports since 2023; Germany covers the remaining 47%.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to reduce Israel’s reliance on foreign defence aid to strengthen its domestic defence industry.
On June 2nd, Israel’s Defence Ministry claimed that weapons exports reached “a record high” in 2025, with Europe being the largest arms purchaser, accounting for 36% of Israel’s total exports.
Reportedly, governments turn to Israel for defence cooperation because some contractors advertise weapons as “battle-tested.”
Increased European interest in Israeli defence systems comes amid growing concerns about Israel’s defence capabilities in intercepting Iranian missiles.
An apparent interception failure in southern Israel led to an investigation in March; it was reported that the US and Israel were “burning through” missile interceptor supplies in March.
Maghrebi has contacted Israel’s Defence Ministry for comment on Europe’s increased reliance on Israeli air and missile defence systems, but has not received a response at the time of publication.
Al-Monitor and agencies, Maghrebi.org
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