UPDATE 1-Israel says Arrow-3 missile-killer sale to Germany approved by U.S.

The United States approved a $3.5 billion sale of Israel's Arrow-3 missile defence system to Germany on Thursday, in what will be Israel's biggest-ever defence deal, the Israeli Defence Ministry said. Israel and Germany will sign a Letter of Commitment, with a $600 million initial payment, to commence work on the project, the statement said, adding that the full contract will be ready to sign by the end of 2023. The U.S. is a partner in the Arrow project, which was developed jointly by the Israel Missile Defense Organization and the United States Missile Defense Agency.