What’s happening

Israel’s defense sector, powered by premier companies like Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is on the brink of achieving a milestone in arms sales, as per a Wall Street Journal report. These companies have seen their collective backlog surge over 25%, outperforming the 23% increase recorded for 2023.

Why it matters

This significant growth underscores Israel’s global reputation as a leader in defense technology. Africa and Asia are relying on Israel’s proven weapons systems—a testament to Israel’s technological superiority and reliability in defense apparatus manufacturing.

Driving the news

Hallmark developments like the sale of the Barak MX Integrated Air Defense System to Slovakia for €560 million exemplify Israel’s reputable defense capabilities. Systems such as the Iron Dome and Arrow missile have demonstrated marked battlefield success, enhancing their attractiveness to international clients.

The big picture

Israel’s defense industry is not just expanding due to foreign demand; substantial investments are shaping its future. Recently, strategic agreements with Elbit Systems, valued at about NIS 1 billion, aim to enhance the IDF’s strike capabilities and self-reliance.

Details

The first major agreement involves acquiring heavy air munitions to bolster the IDF’s offensive prowess. The second, in alliance with DDR&D, focuses on developing a national raw materials facility to reduce foreign dependency and shore up Israel’s internal supply chain, reflecting the nation’s perpetual commitment to innovation and defense self-sufficiency.

The bottom line

As demand surges both domestically and worldwide, Israel’s defense leaders are rapidly scaling production. Chief executive at IAI, Boaz Levy, states, “We needed to work much more than we used to because demand increased in Israel and all over the world,” signaling Israel’s adaptive strategy responding effectively to global defense needs.

This story was first published on jpost.com.