Germany wants Arrow 4 amidst air defence modernisation

The German Luftwaffe has decided to procure the Arrow 4 strategic air defence system, currently under development in Israel. This was announced on the 7th May by the Deputy Chief of the Luftwaffe, Lieutenant General Lutz Kohlhaus, in his opening speech at the Ground Based Air Defense Summit, hosted by CPM in Berlin.

The Arrow 4 is a further development of the Arrow 2 system, which covers the altitude range above the Patriot systems in the transition layer to space, explained Kohlhaus. Together with the deployment of the Arrow 3, the first unit of which will enter service in northeastern Germany at the end of 2025, Arrow 4 will enable the Luftwaffe to cover the entire altitude and threat spectrum. 

This decision has been communicated to both Israel and the leadership of the Ministry of Defence. Arrow 4 is being designed to intercept hypersonic missiles as well as strategic ballistic missiles, which will require it to intercept targets inside and outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. The interceptors can be used with existing Arrow radars and launchers, making it a cost-effective solution, whilst offering improved defence against complex threats. 

Air defence modernisation

A battery of Patriot launchers with the Romanian armed forces in 2021. Credit: Romanian MoD.

Outside of Arrow 4, the Luftwaffe will remain a Raytheon customer for the Patriot system and will procure the F-35 fighter jet from the US. While the Air Force is aiming to utilise more European solutions, NATO is currently unable to conduct combined air warfare without Link 16, IFF Mode 5, or the standardized data flow. And the standards for this are set by the US.

Moreover, the Luftwaffe’s deployable command posts will be further modularized and made more mobile. Kohlhaus explained. This will go hand in hand with new command and control software; GIADS 5 (German Improved Air Defence System) and products from Sitaware. 

Since the Bundeswehr has ordered eight new Patriot systems, a procurement of the Northrop Grumman IBCS is also being examined. The decision on this will be made by the end of this year at the latest, Kohlhaus added.

Finally, the Luftwaffe is also demanding the rapid procurement of six additional Iris-T SLM systems to supplement the six already ordered. Together with 16 Patriots and one Arrow system, the Bundeswehr will have a total of 29 air defence systems. The Luftwaffe cannot operate more “at the moment” due to insufficient personnel, Kohlhaus said.

As he further explained, the Luftwaffe sees the need for a second anti-aircraft missile squadron in the 2030s at the earliest and “assuming the personnel base is available.”

By Lars Hofmann, published on 7th May, 2025. 

This article was originally published in German by hartpunkt. Calibre and Hartpunkt are collaborating to bring you the best defence news from across Europe.