Israeli defense exports hit a new record in 2021, totaling $11.3 billion (36 billion shekels), the Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday.
According to the newly released figures, defense sales agreements grew by 30% in 2021 compared to 2020.
The ministry listed some of the most significant defense export sectors as being missiles, rockets and air-defense systems, constituting 20% of sales; training and training services, 15% of sales; unmanned aerial vehicles and drone systems, 9%; radars and electronic warfare systems, 9%; weapons stations and launchers, 7%; and vehicles and armored personnel carriers, 7%.
Clients in Europe accounted for 41% of sales, those in the Asia and Pacific regions 35% and North American clients 12%.
Arab countries that signed Abraham Accords normalization agreements with Israel made up 7% of the contracts, according to the figures.
Commenting on the figures, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said, “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the defense industries that greatly contribute to Israel’s security, technological innovation, and economic growth.”
He stated that the Defense Ministry “cooperates with partners around the world and has expanded its market by strengthening ties within the region as well as building new ties with countries around the world. Security relations are an integral component of Israel’s political relations and our ability to cooperate with other countries, and we work to strengthen those ties and create new security partnerships. The peak in defense agreements in 2021 is first and foremost a means of strengthening the security of the State of Israel.”
In its statement, the ministry stressed that all sales are conducted under the supervision and protocols of its Defense Export Controls Agency, “and the relevant international conventions.”
Brig. Gen. (res.) Yair Kulas, head of the International Defense Cooperation Directorate in the Defense Ministry, stated: “The Ministry of Defense and the security industries mark a historic milestone. Israel’s defense exports have reached double-digit figures for the first time, reaching a 55% increase within two years. This is despite fierce competition as well as concerns regarding the effects of COVID-19 on defense budgets around the world.”
