Germany recently finalized a major deal to procure advanced Spike anti-tank missiles made by Israeli defense company Rafael, in a move that Washington, D.C.-based defense analysts say highlights a continental trend of European nations urgently arming themselves with combat-proven Israeli technology as they prepare for a potential conflict with a resurgent Russia.

According to a report in the Hebrew-daily Calcalist on Oct. 21, the Spike missile deal is valued at approximately 2 billion euros. The missiles are reportedly intended for German infantry and armored infantry units, replacing older systems and filling capability gaps exposed by the war in Ukraine. 

The deal will be implemented through EuroSpike, a joint venture owned by Rafael and German defense firms Rheinmetall and Diehl Defense.