The agreement foresees a new innovation centre for defence and dual-use technologies in the German capital
The State of Berlin and Israeli defence group Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) plan to establish an innovation centre focused on aerospace, defence, 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 defence 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.
Under the agreement, the planned hub will support start-ups operating in aerospace, defence, security and dual-use technologies through accelerator programmes, partnerships and pilot and proof-of-concept projects.
“Berlin is the right location for an aerospace and defence innovation hub,” Wegner said. Given the current geopolitical environment, it was important to establish such a centre in the German capital and strengthen investment in the aerospace sector, he added.
