Israel anticipates receiving more orders for air and missile defense systems from European nations in the coming period, with at least one agreement expected within weeks, according to a senior Defense Ministry official.

Demand keeps rising as European countries view a heightened threat from Russia and aim to strengthen their air defenses, the official noted, fueling interest in systems meant to counter intermediate-range ballistic missiles and short-range rockets.

"There is significant interest from Europe, from Western Europe," said Moshe Patel, the director and general manager of the Israeli Missile Defense Organization, at last week's Berlin airshow, without naming the specific nations.

Israel has already sold its Arrow air-defense system, built to intercept intermediate-range ballistic missiles such as Russia's Oreshnik, to Germany. The system was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries in partnership with the US Missile Defense Agency.

Finland has purchased a shorter-range system known as David's Sling, intended to intercept ballistic missiles launched from 100 km to 200 km away, as European nations prepare for possible Russian aggression. Moscow has rejected any plans for hostile actions.

"It is mainly driven by events between Russia and Ukraine," Patel said. "Of course, they are watching developments in Iran closely, and whatever works against Russia could also apply to Iran. Their efforts will help address all such threats."

European Interest Extends to Iron Dome Alongside Arrow and David's Sling

When asked about European interest in Arrow or David's Sling, he noted demand also exists for the Iron Dome, which handles short-range threats.

"It offers a major benefit to nations with adversaries along their borders; this is the key strength, along with the capacity to safeguard cities and strategic zones," Patel said.

Regarding the timing of additional orders for these systems, he indicated one contract should be secured in the next few weeks.

"There are also discussions suggesting that by the end of the year we may hear about more countries," he said. "It appears decision-making by these nations is moving faster."

Patel chose not to detail the expected contract sizes, noting only that the figures under discussion were substantial.