Germany Set to Deepen Israel Ties With Rocket-Launcher Deal

Germany plans to expand defense cooperation with Israel with a procurement package for NATO forces worth up to €6 billion ($7 billion) for as many as 500 multiple-rocket launchers and thousands of missiles.

The Defense Ministry in Berlin is negotiating with Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems Ltd., Franco-German manufacturer KNDS NV and Germany’s Diehl Group for the fixed purchase of 250 MARS 3 launchers for the German military and an option for an additional 250 units for other European governments on the same terms, according to people familiar with the planning.