The Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that it has approved a series of reforms aimed at streamlining and expanding the country’s defense exports, following a policy directive from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.
The initiative, approved by Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, adopts the recommendations of an expert committee formed to strengthen and broaden defense exports. The reforms include simplified single-stage licensing for most unclassified products, an expanded list of countries exempt from marketing licenses, faster approval processes and enhanced enforcement and oversight measures.
The ministry said the move is part of a broader strategy to boost defense exports amid growing global demand for Israeli technologies following recent operational results by the Israel Defense Forces. The expansion is also expected to support defense industry growth and help generate revenue for Israel’s defense budget.
The committee, chaired by former ministry director general Maj. Gen. (ret.) Udi Shani, comprised current and former officials from the defense establishment and the Foreign Ministry. Its recommendations will now be submitted to Katz for final approval.
Israel set its fourth consecutive yearly record for defense exports in 2024, with over $14.7 billion worth of deals, the country’s Defense Ministry announced in June.
According to the ministry, the figure represents a 13% increase over the previous year. More broadly, defense exports have more than doubled over the past five years. Notably, more than half of last year’s deals were valued at over $100 million, and 54% of the agreements were with European countries, compared to 35% in 2023.
The previous year also saw a notable increase in the export of missiles, rockets and air defense systems, which accounted for 48% of total deal volume, an increase from 36% in 2023.
