The Defense Ministry is continuing to advance Israel's munitions self-sufficiency and is purchasing aerial munitions from Elbit Systems in a deal worth about 600 million shekels (about $200 million).
As part of efforts to improve readiness for immediate combat scenarios and prepare for an especially demanding security decade, the Defense Ministry's procurement administration has issued multiyear orders for the purchase of aerial munitions made by Elbit Systems worth more than 600 million shekels.
The deals are being led by the unit headed by the deputy chief of the procurement administration for air and sea acquisitions. The aerial munitions will be produced at Elbit facilities across Israel, which employ thousands of workers.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said, "We are continuing to strengthen the State of Israel's independence in munitions production. The IDF must at all times have the means to act with force, speed and without reliance on external factors. At a time when we are marking Israel's 78th Independence Day, this has special significance. True independence is also measured by the ability to manufacture and defend ourselves by our own means. We will continue to act decisively to ensure that the State of Israel relies on its own strength and is prepared for any challenge."
Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram said, "The current deal is another practical step in implementing the Defense Ministry's strategy of expanding Israel's domestic defense manufacturing base. In light of the complex challenges and the lessons of the war, it is our duty to ensure Israel's munitions independence and strengthen blue-and-white manufacturing capabilities. We are not only procuring for the immediate term, but also laying the groundwork that will allow the IDF to face any combat scenario while relying on independent production capabilities, advanced technology and continuity of supply."
Bezalel (Butzi) Machlis, president and CEO of Elbit Systems, said, "This series of contracts proves Elbit Systems' status as a technological leader in the field of aerial munitions. We are proud of our longstanding partnership with Israel's Defense Ministry and of our continued commitment to developing and supplying precise and reliable solutions that are among the factors enabling the Israeli Air Force's aerial superiority."
