In the aftermath of the Iran war, Israel’s Defense Ministry is moving to rebuild and strengthen its weapons reserves, signing a major procurement deal to enhance readiness for future conflicts and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

As part of a broader effort to prepare for immediate combat scenarios and a more intense security decade ahead, the ministry’s procurement directorate has issued multi-year orders for advanced aerial munitions from Elbit Systems totaling more than 600 million shekels. The deals are being managed by the unit responsible for air and naval acquisitions.

The munitions will be produced at Elbit facilities across Israel, employing thousands of workers and reinforcing the country’s domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.

The agreement includes Rampage missiles, a heavy, precision-guided ballistic weapon designed for use by fighter jets. Developed by Elbit, the missile can reach speeds of up to Mach 5 and is intended to strike enemy air defense systems, including those positioned deep underground.

Defense Minister Yisroel Katz said: “We are continuing to strengthen Israel’s independence in munitions. The IDF must have, at every moment, the tools to operate with power, speed, and without reliance on external factors. At a time when we are marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day, this carries special significance — true independence is also measured by the ability to produce and defend ourselves by our own means. We will continue to act with determination to ensure that the State of Israel relies on its own strength and is prepared for any challenge.”

Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram added: “This deal is another practical step in implementing the Defense Ministry’s strategy to expand Israel’s defense production base. In light of complex challenges and the lessons of the war, it is our duty to ensure Israel’s independence in munitions and to strengthen ‘blue-and-white’ production capabilities. We are not only equipping ourselves for the immediate term, but also laying the foundation that will allow the IDF to respond to any combat scenario while relying on independent production capabilities, advanced technology, and supply continuity.”

Elbit Systems President and CEO Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis said: “This series of contracts demonstrates Elbit Systems’ position as a technological leader in the field of aerial munitions. We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Israel’s Defense Ministry and our ongoing commitment to developing and supplying precise and reliable solutions, which are among the factors enabling the Israeli Air Force’s aerial superiority.”

{Matzav.com}