Israel's defense industry booms on foreign demand and war at home

Israel's defense industry is on track to sell more weapons than ever in its history after a year marked by war

- Dov Lieber

After a year marked by war and calls for isolating Israel on the world stage, its defense industry is on track to sell more weapons than ever in its history, spurred by foreign demand for its aerial-defense systems and significant government spending aimed at funding Israel's ongoing military campaigns.

The surge in weapons sales for Israel's top three defense companies—among the world's top 10 defense exporters—comes amid widespread arms embargoes on Israel, from even some of its allies. Other countries have suspended their acquisition of Israeli arms over the war in Gaza.

The success of Israel's aerial-defense technology—such as the Iron Dome and the Arrow System, or its defensive systems for tanks—over more than 15 months of war has drawn in foreign buyers who have seen how its weaponry has been tested on the battlefield.

Slovakia's Ministry of Defense last month signed a 560 million euro deal, equivalent to $579.1 million, to acquire Israel Aerospace Industries's Barak MX Integrated Air Defense System.

The ministry said it "is very important that the selling country is experienced in using the capability they offer us," in a statement to The Wall Street Journal. "There is no doubt about Israel's rich experience in the field of defense." It added that the system came at "a favorable price."

Israel's top defense companies—Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries—make up about 70% of the country's foreign defense exports, according to Israel's Defense Ministry.

Representatives of those companies say they are on track to hit record sales for both the foreign and domestic markets.