Israel expects to secure new contracts for its air and missile defence systems from European countries within weeks, as governments across the continent continue to strengthen their militaries amid security concerns linked to Russia's war in Ukraine.
Moshe Patel, director and general manager of the Israeli Missile Defense Organization, said interest in Israeli defence technology across Europe remains strong and is accelerating.
"There's a huge interest from Europe, from Western Europe," Patel told reporters on the sidelines of last week's Berlin Air Show.
While declining to identify the countries involved, Patel said at least one contract is expected to be signed within weeks.
"And 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."
European governments have increased defence spending since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with many countries seeking stronger protection against missile and drone attacks.
Patel said the conflict has been a major factor behind growing interest in Israeli systems.
"It's mainly (driven) by what's happening between Russia and Ukraine," he said.
He added that developments in the Middle East were also influencing defence planning.
"Of course, they're looking very carefully what is happening in Iran and whatever will be good against Russia could be good for Iran. Whatever they're doing, it will be good for all those kinds of threats."
Russia has repeatedly rejected accusations that it poses a threat to European countries.
Israel has become a major supplier of advanced air defence technology to Europe in recent years.
Germany has purchased the Arrow missile defence system, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries in cooperation with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. The system is designed to intercept intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
Finland has acquired David's Sling, which is intended to counter short- and medium-range ballistic missile threats.
Patel said European interest is not limited to those systems.
Asked whether countries were looking at Arrow or David's Sling, he said there was also demand for Iron Dome, Israel's well-known short-range air defence system designed to intercept rockets and other nearby threats.
"It's a huge advantage to those nations that have enemies right on their borders," Patel said. "The ability to protect a city, protect a strategic area."
Patel declined to disclose the potential value of the upcoming agreements but suggested they would be significant.
The discussions are "about not minor numbers", he said.
His comments highlight the growing role of Israeli defence technology in Europe's security planning as governments seek to adapt to a rapidly changing threat environment.
The UK has become the latest country to annouce a social media ban for children under 16. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement on...
Spain has received around 900,000 applications from undocumented migrants seeking legal status under a government regularisation programme. The influx...
A Ukrainian man has been found guilty of carrying out a series of arson attacks on properties linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after bein...
Fighting in southern Lebanon eased on Monday after a U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending months of regional conflict was announced, although uncertain...
British lawmakers look set to revisit assisted dying in the new parliamentary session after Labour MP Lauren Edwards said she would reintroduce legisl...
Spain has received around 900,000 applications from undocumented migrants seeking legal status under a government regularisation programme. The influx has far exceeded initial expectations, the Migration Ministry said on Monday.
A Ukrainian man has been found guilty of carrying out a series of arson attacks on properties linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after being recruited by a mystery figure known only as "EL Money".
Fighting in southern Lebanon eased on Monday after a U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending months of regional conflict was announced, although uncertainty remained over how the deal would be implemented on the ground.
British lawmakers look set to revisit assisted dying in the new parliamentary session after Labour MP Lauren Edwards said she would reintroduce legislation that failed to complete its passage through Parliament earlier this year.
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
U.S. and Iranian officials said they had agreed on a framework to end their war, halt the U.S. blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a preliminary pact that sent oil prices falling but leaves the fate of Iran's nuclear program to further negotiations.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
Spain has received around 900,000 applications from undocumented migrants seeking legal status under a government regularisation programme. The influx has far exceeded initial expectations, the Migration Ministry said on Monday.
A Ukrainian man has been found guilty of carrying out a series of arson attacks on properties linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after being recruited by a mystery figure known only as "EL Money".
British lawmakers look set to revisit assisted dying in the new parliamentary session after Labour MP Lauren Edwards said she would reintroduce legislation that failed to complete its passage through Parliament earlier this year.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on French wine and champagne unless France removes its digital services tax on major American technology companies.
The Court of Appeal in London ruled on Monday (15 June) that the government's decision to ban pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was lawful, handing ministers a victory in a closely watched legal battle over protest rights and national security.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment