The state of Berlin and Israeli defense group Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) plan to create an innovation center focused on aerospace, defense, security and dual-use technologies in the German capital. The agreement was signed by Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner and IAI President and CEO Boaz Levy this week on the sidelines of the ILA Air Show.
IAI was the prime contractor for the Arrow-3 missile defense system delivered to Germany at the end of last year. Berlin sees the system as a cornerstone of its ambition to play a leading role in the European Sky Shield Initiative. IAI also supplies Heron TP drones to the German Air Force.
According to the agreement, the planned center will support start-ups operating in aerospace, defense, security and dual-use technologies through accelerator programs, partnerships and pilot and proof-of-concept projects.
“Berlin is the right location for an aerospace and defense innovation center,” Wegner said. Given the current geopolitical environment, it was important to establish such a center in the German capital and strengthen investments in the aerospace sector, he added.
The initiative reflects “our long-term commitment to Europe and our vision for building deep strategic partnerships that combine innovation, industrial capabilities and operational expertise,” Levy said.
IAI is not the only Israeli defense company expanding its presence in Europe. Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest defense contractor, plans to increase its German workforce to 1,000 employees over the next four years. During the ILA air show, Elbit also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with German manufacturer Diehl Defense to establish the production of SkyStriker flying munitions in Germany.
“Israel is proud of the strength of the security cooperation between Germany and Israel,” said Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor. Euractiv.
The relationship extended to both major procurement programs and projects that attract less public attention, he said. “This is in stark contrast to other European countries such as France, which are choosing to forgo this cooperation at the expense of the safety of their citizens.”
(cz)
