Newsletter
Newsletter Support JNS

Israel advances domestic defense manufacturing independence

The need for munitions independence “is a key lesson from the war that will empower the IDF to continue operating effectively in all theaters.”

Israeli Defense Ministry and Elbit officials at the signing ceremony on Jan. 7, 2025. Credit: Israeli Defense Ministry.
Israeli Defense Ministry and Elbit officials at the signing ceremony on Jan. 7, 2025. Credit: Israeli Defense Ministry.

The Israeli Defense Ministry on Tuesday announced the signing of two significant agreements with Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems, valued at $275 million. These deals aim to advance domestic manufacturing independence and enhance local defense production.

The first agreement focuses on the supply of thousands of munitions, while the second involves establishing a facility to produce critical raw materials for Israel’s defense industry.

The agreements were formalized in a signing ceremony with Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir and Elbit Systems President and CEO Bezhalel Machlis.

Israeli Defense Ministry and Elbit officials at the signing ceremony on Jan. 7, 2025. Credit: Israeli Defense Ministry.

“We initiated this historic move before the war, but accelerated it during the conflict,” said Zamir. “Under both agreements, initial capabilities will soon expand, ultimately achieving full independence in both areas. This is a key lesson from the war that will empower the Israel Defense Forces to continue operating effectively in all theaters.”

Machlis stated, “Elbit Systems is a partner of the IDF and the Israeli Ministry of Defense in advancing the ‘Blue and White’ manufacturing policy and is committed to significantly contributing to the strengthening of the IDF’s munitions independence.”

See more from JNS Staff
The sites contained anti-tank missiles, long-range weapons, RPGs, tactical vests and other combat equipment.
Israeli troops are operating in the area in accordance with ceasefire understandings.
“We demand an explanation from the Spanish government regarding its treatment of the flotilla anarchists,” the Foreign Ministry wrote.
Seven Israeli soldiers were wounded in the incident, which was captured on camera.
Police uncovered materials believed to be capable of use in the manufacture of explosives.
The man was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, and a bystander was hit in the gunfire, the agency said.