Berlin turns to Israeli expertise for cybersecurity

Germany is building a national Cyber Dome in partnership with Israel to enhance its cyberdefence infrastructure. The plan includes a joint cyber research centre and deeper collaboration between intelligence and security agencies of both nations.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt revealed the initiative during his official visit to Israel on Saturday. He held discussions with Israeli counterparts to explore new defence cooperation focused on digital threats.

What is Germany’s ‘Cyber Dome’?

Germany is now working on a new cybersecurity strategy, called the “Cyber Dome”. This project is inspired by Israel’s successful cyber and missile defence systems. It is part of a broader plan to upgrade Germany’s digital and civil defence infrastructure.

According to German media outlet Bild, Dobrindt presented a five-point plan to lay the foundation for this Cyber Dome. The plan includes improved early warning systems, threat detection technologies, and closer data sharing with key allies.

Boosting civil defence beyond military upgrades

Dobrindt stated that strengthening military power alone is not enough. He emphasised the need for better civil defence systems, especially in the digital realm. Germany is currently investing more in cybersecurity due to rising threats from state actors like Russia and China.

“Military defence alone is not sufficient for this turning point in security,” Dobrindt said. “A significant upgrade in civil defence is essential.”

The Cyber Dome aims to provide digital protection to critical infrastructure, government institutions, and the wider public.

Germany looks to NATO alignment and Israeli tech

This partnership fits into Germany’s growing role in NATO. It also highlights Berlin’s intent to align with countries that have proven digital defence capabilities. Israel’s cybersecurity expertise and its Iron Dome missile defence system have long drawn international attention.

On the same day, Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder also called for buying 2,000 interceptor missiles. He suggested Germany needs a physical “Iron Dome” to defend against missile threats, just like Israel.

A deeper Germany-Israel alliance in tech defence

With Chancellor Friedrich Merz newly in office, Germany’s pivot to cyber and civil defence marks a key policy shift. The partnership with Israel shows Berlin’s intent to rely on tested defence ecosystems to prepare for modern-day threats.

The upcoming German-Israeli cyber research centre will act as a hub for developing next-gen cybersecurity tools. It also signals a long-term commitment to joint digital defence initiatives.

Source – Reuters