Israel expects new air defense orders from Europe due to growing concerns over Russian threat

Israel expects new air defense orders from Europe as European nations look to bolster their capabilities against a perceived Russian threat, according to a senior Defense Ministry official. The expectation follows Israel's first sale of its Arrow system to Germany and its participation in the ILA Berlin airshow, where over a dozen Israeli companies showcased their products.

Coverage comparison

Reporting from the Jerusalem Post, the source for this article, provides two distinct angles on Israel's defense industry ties with Europe. One report, from mid-June, quotes Moshe Patel, director and general manager of the Israeli Missile Defense Organization, saying that Israel expects more orders for air and missile defense systems from European countries soon. Patel spoke on the sidelines of the Berlin airshow, noting that demand is rising as European nations perceive a greater threat from Russia and seek to bolster their air defenses. He said Israel has sold its Arrow system to Germany and Finland has bought David's Sling, and that interest is not limited to those systems, with European interest in Iron Dome also.

The other report, from late June, focuses on Switzerland's decision to accelerate its long‑range air defense capabilities, a development that the Jerusalem Post frames within the broader context of European rearmament. While this report does not directly tie to the Israeli official's comments, it aligns with the way Israel sees itself as a supplier of air defense technology to European nations.

Key claims

According to the Jerusalem Post, Israel expects more orders for air and missile defense systems from European countries soon, with at least one contract expected within weeks. The report attributes this to the perception that European nations hold of Russia as a greater threat, leading them to seek to bolster their air defenses. Israel has already sold its Arrow system, built to intercept intermediate-range missiles like Russia's Oreshnik, to Germany. Finland has bought a shorter-range system called David's Sling, designed to shoot down ballistic missiles from 100 to 200 km away.

Separately, the Jerusalem Post reports that Switzerland is accelerating its long‑range air defense capabilities, resuming payments for the US‑made Patriot system and launching negotiations with Israeli, French, and South Korean manufacturers for an additional system. The Swiss Federal Council announced the decision, citing a worsening global security environment and growing concerns over long-distance aerial threats. The US shifted delivery priorities for the Patriot system toward Ukraine, delaying Switzerland's order by at least five years, and Switzerland said it cannot halt the Patriot acquisition without a replacement ready. So it will restart payments and is looking for a second long-range air defense system to ensure rapid operational readiness and reduce dependence on a single supplier.

Israel's defense industry is also expanding its presence in Europe. Over a dozen Israeli defense companies took part in ILA Berlin, one of Europe's major aviation and defense exhibitions, which ran June 10-14 and hosted more than 750 exhibitors from 37 countries. The Israeli participation, organized by the Ministry of Defense, was described by the ministry as coming amid a record-breaking year for Israeli defense exports, which surpassed $19 billion in 2025, driven in part by the expansion of the Arrow 3 deal with Germany. Elbit Systems announced a strategic partnership with Diehl Defense to jointly offer the SkyStriker loitering munition system.

Commentary

Israel expects more orders for air and missile defense systems from European countries soon, with at least one contract expected, according to a senior Defense Ministry official. The official said demand is being driven by European nations perceiving a greater threat from Russia and seeking to bolster their air defenses, with interest not only in Arrow and David's Sling but also Iron Dome. The comments came from Moshe Patel of the Israeli Missile Defense Organization on the sidelines of the recent Berlin airshow.

Switzerland, also, has decided to strengthen its air defense capabilities, saying the geopolitical situation has worsened and long-distance attacks are the most likely threat, for which the country has no means of protection. The Federal Council announced it would resume payments for the US-made Patriot system and begin negotiations with manufacturers in France, Israel, and South Korea, to acquire an additional system.