Germany awards top military honors to two senior Israeli defense officials for their role in deploying the Arrow 3 missile defense system to the European nation, in a deal that marked the largest defense export in Israel’s history, the Defense Ministry announces.
At a ceremony held at a German Air Force base, Moshe Patel, head of the Homa Administration in the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (MAFAT), receives a Gold Cross of Honor of the Bundeswehr, while Col. R., a senior official in the program, is awarded the silver grade.
The awards recognize their contribution to bringing the Arrow 3 system to initial operational capability in Germany in December 2025, as part of a $6.7 billion agreement.
The Arrow 3 system is jointly developed by Israel and the United States, with Israel Aerospace Industries serving as the prime contractor alongside multiple Israeli defense firms.
German officials say the honors reflect the deepening defense partnership between the two countries.
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Tuesday, April 28, 2026
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