Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the State of Berlin have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new aerospace and defense innovation center in Berlin while expanding IAI’s industrial presence in Germany through local production and investment. The agreement was signed during an official ceremony attended by Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, IAI CEO Moshe Levy, senior German government officials, municipal representatives, and company executives. The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening cooperation between Germany and Israel in aerospace, defense, and advanced technology sectors.
Innovation hub to support startups and industrial growth
The planned innovation center will focus on supporting startups operating in aerospace, defense, security, and dual-use technologies through structured accelerator programs. The initiative aims to foster collaboration between local and international startups, industry partners, policymakers, researchers, and investors.
According to the agreement, the center will help accelerate the development and commercialization of emerging technologies while creating opportunities for pilot projects and industry applications. It is also expected to strengthen Berlin’s position as a leading innovation hub for advanced aerospace and defense technologies.
In addition to startup support, the partnership includes plans to expand IAI’s industrial footprint in Berlin through the development of local production capabilities. The move is expected to create highly skilled jobs, enhance regional technological expertise, and contribute to long-term economic growth.
Expanding IAI’s presence in Germany
The MoU represents another milestone in IAI’s ongoing expansion across Germany and Europe. The company already maintains a strong presence in the German defense sector as the prime contractor for the Arrow-3 missile defense system, a key component of Germany’s air defense architecture.
IAI is also known for supplying the Heron TP unmanned aerial system to the German Air Force and the BlueWhale autonomous submarine platform to the German Navy, both developed in cooperation with German industry partners and defense organizations.
Boaz Levy, Chairman of the Board at IAI, said the initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to Germany and its strategy of building deep industrial partnerships that combine innovation, operational expertise, and advanced technologies. He noted that integrating IAI’s capabilities with Berlin’s innovation ecosystem will create new opportunities for technological development and market growth.
Berlin aims to strengthen innovation leadership
Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner welcomed the agreement, describing the city as an ideal location for an aerospace and defense innovation center. He emphasized the importance of supporting investment, strengthening cooperation between established companies and startups, and bringing world-class aerospace expertise into Berlin’s growing technology ecosystem.
Wegner said the partnership aligns with Berlin’s ambition to become a leading global center for innovation and advanced technology development.
IAI has extensive experience operating international accelerator programs, including Catalyst in the United States, NeuSPHERE in India, and ASTRA in Israel. These initiatives connect startups with industrial use cases and global market opportunities, providing a proven model for the new Berlin-based innovation center.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen Germany’s aerospace and defense capabilities while supporting technological innovation, industrial development, and long-term economic growth across the region.
