BERLIN — Israel anticipates additional orders for air and missile defense systems from European nations and expects to finalize at least one new contract within weeks. Moshe Patel, the director and general manager of the Israeli Missile Defense Organization, made these remarks in an interview.

European countries have increased their procurement of air defense systems due to a perceived greater threat from Russia. Patel observed, "There's a huge interest from Europe, from Western Europe." Moscow has denied any intention of acting aggressively toward other nations. European countries have shown interest in the Iron Dome system, which is designed to counter short-range threats.

Israel has previously sold its Arrow air-defense system to Germany. The Arrow system is designed to intercept intermediate-range ballistic missiles, including those similar to Russia's Oreshnik. Israel Aerospace Industries developed this system in cooperation with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. Finland also purchased the David's Sling air-defense system, which is designed to engage ballistic missiles launched from a range of 100 km to 200 km.

"It's mainly (driven) by what's happening between Russia and Ukraine. Of course, they're looking very carefully at what is happening in Iran, and whatever will be good against Russia could be good for Iran. Whatever they're doing, it will be good for all those kinds of threats," Patel said. "And there are discussions that, maybe by the end of the year, we're going to hear about more nations. It looks like the decision-making by those nations is expedited." Patel declined to specify which European nations are involved in contract discussions or to elaborate on the expected volume of the upcoming contracts.

No independent assessment was available for this report.