ByGOLDIE KATZ

The Israel Ministry of Defence’s (IMOD) Defense Procurement Directorate announced that it has signed an air munitions procurement deal with Elbit Systems valued at approximately $183 million, according to a statement released on January 27.

The multi-year order aims to expand IDF capabilities, the defense industrial base, and is part of a strategic defense approach led by Defense Minister Israel Katz and IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, according to the statement.

"This air munitions deal joins a series of multi-year force-building agreements currently being advanced across air, land, and additional domains,” Baram said of the order. “These agreements will enable inventory replenishment and procurement for years ahead, while investing in the expansion of our defense industrial base.”

The expansion of Israel’s industrial base is a top-tier security priority, Katz asserted, adding that his strategic approach “prioritizes growing [Israel’s] domestic defense sector, boosting Israeli manufacturing, and deepening partnerships with local industry.”

Meeting current, future security challenges

Efforts to boost the local defense industry, according to Katz, will strengthen the economy and reinforce national security, as well as equip the IDF to “meet security challenges both now and in the future.”

A PULS multiple rocket launcher miniature and artillery rockets by Israeli Elbit Systems is exhibited at the DEFEA Defence Exhibition, in Athens, Greece, May 8, 2025.
A PULS multiple rocket launcher miniature and artillery rockets by Israeli Elbit Systems is exhibited at the DEFEA Defence Exhibition, in Athens, Greece, May 8, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/LOUIZA VRADI)

“A robust industrial base and strong ties with Israeli companies guarantee independence, reliable supply chains, and long-term force development,” he reiterated.

Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, stated that his company has “developed and supplied the Defense Ministry with a range of precision munitions that have proven themselves in the field and contributed significantly to Israel's air superiority across multiple theaters.”

“We remain committed to strengthening Israel's domestic production infrastructure, as part of our partnership and commitment to the IMOD and the IDF,” Machlis stated, adding that they do so “out of responsibility for the nation's needs and the preservation of its security."