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Israel has offered to assist Germany in strengthening its defense capabilities by manufacturing the Iron Dome air defense system on German soil.
This offer comes amid ongoing threats from Iranian missile attacks, with Israel’s defense industry playing a crucial role in safeguarding Europe’s security.
In an exclusive interview with Bild, Yuval Steinitz, Chairman of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems—the Israeli defense contractor behind the Iron Dome—explained the system’s importance in protecting Israel and its potential to defend Europe.
“We would be happy if we could export more technology, more know-how to Germany, thereby also creating jobs in Germany,” Steinitz said.
The Iron Dome, part of Israel’s layered air defense system, intercepts short-range missiles, rockets, and drones aimed at the Jewish state.
Since its deployment in 2011, the system has been credited with saving thousands of lives and preventing extensive damage to Israel’s economy.
Steinitz emphasized the system’s critical role during recent conflicts.
“Since the attack on October 7, 2023, by Hamas, almost 50,000 rockets and other projectiles have been fired at us from across the Middle East,” he explained.
“Without our air defense, especially the Iron Dome, we would be mourning a tremendous loss of life in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. Our economy would have collapsed.”
Steinitz warned that the threats facing Israel could also impact Europe. “If Iran and other countries can threaten and intimidate the European continent so easily, and Europe stands without any defense, then Europe becomes vulnerable to blackmail,” he said.
The Rafael board member also introduced the company’s latest innovation, the Iron Beam laser weapon, a breakthrough in missile and drone defense.
The laser system uses light to destroy targets, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional missile defense systems. “A laser shot costs just $2, less than a hot dog on the street, because all you need is electricity,” Steinitz said.
He described the laser technology as a “revolution,” explaining that it reduces the cost per interception from millions of dollars to just a few dollars, making defense systems more affordable for countries under threat.
Rafael Says Iron Dome Could Help the 'Defense of All of Europe'
In addition to offering the Iron Dome, Steinitz proposed that Germany participate in producing these advanced technologies locally. Rafael already manufactures several defense systems in Germany, including the Trophy anti-tank system and the Multi-Role Light Guided Missile System (MELLS).
“We can help Germany produce our technologies and contribute to the defense of all of Europe,” he said.
The cost of defending cities like Berlin would be significantly reduced with the Iron Dome. According to Steinitz, “Iron Dome currently has the cheapest intercept missiles worldwide. While other systems cost between $5 million and $10 million, Iron Dome missiles are priced at $150,000 each.”
Steinitz also addressed the rising wave of antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
“Either you’re an anti-Zionist or a pro-Zionist. If you’re anti-Zionist, you’re against a protected Israel; you want to erase and destroy the state of the Jews,” he stated. He criticized calls for boycotts, warning that such demands amount to calls for the sacrifice of millions of Jews.
