Israel shatters defence export records for fourth straight year amid regional conflicts

Israeli arms exports reached an unprecedented high in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking sales, the country’s Defense Ministry said.

The ministry’s International Defence Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) reported that defence exports totaled nearly $14.8 billion last year, up from $13 billion in 2023, and roughly double the amount recorded five years ago, when sales hovered between $7.5 billion and $8.5 billion, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

Despite concerns from ministry officials about some Western European governments canceling weapon deals or imposing sanctions on Israeli defence firms due to the ongoing war in Gaza, the volume of arms sales has continued to grow. Notably, Spain recently canceled a €285 million purchase of anti-tank missile systems from Rafael, an Israeli defense subsidiary.

“This is the highest figure ever recorded and the fourth consecutive year in which a new record was set for Israel’s defense exports,” the ministry stated.

Following the outbreak of conflict with Hamas on October 7, 2023, the Defence Ministry shifted to “emergency mode,” with contractors working around the clock to supply the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) while continuing to fulfill foreign orders. “The unprecedented operational achievements, along with the combat experience gained by Israeli developments during the war, created high demand for Israeli technology among many countries,” the ministry added.

Air defence systems, missiles, and rockets comprised the largest share of exports at 48 per cent, up from 36 per cent in 2023. Vehicles accounted for 9 per cent, satellites and related equipment 8 per cent, radar and electronic warfare systems 8 per cent, and manned aircraft and avionics another 8 per cent. Cyber-intelligence systems made up 4 per cent of sales, though officials did not disclose purchasing countries amid growing scrutiny over their alleged misuse.

Europe remained the largest market, purchasing 54 per cent of Israeli defence exports—significantly up from 35 per cent the previous year—largely driven by the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Asia-Pacific region accounted for 23 per cent, while Gulf states involved in the Abraham Accords—UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco—rose to 12 per cent from 3 per cent in 2023. North America purchased 9 per cent, with Latin America and Africa each accounting for 1 per cent.

More than half of the export deals (56.8%) were valued at over $100 million.

“Notably in a difficult and complex year of war, Israel is breaking an all-time record in defense exports,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said. “This tremendous achievement is a direct result of the successes of the IDF and the defence industries against Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, the ayatollah regime in Iran, and in other arenas where we operate against Israel’s enemies,” he added. “The world sees Israeli strength and seeks to be a partner to it.”

By Vafa Guliyeva