Israel’s Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that 2024 set a new all-time high for Israeli defense exports. According to the ministry, defense companies secured new contracts totaling $14.8 billion—an increase of roughly 13% over the previous year. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Israeli defense exports have broken records, more than doubling over the past five years.
Throughout 2024, defense firms signed hundreds of major agreements worldwide, with over half (56.8%) classified as mega-deals valued at $100 million or more each.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated: “In a challenging and complex year of war, Israel has set a new all-time record in defense exports. This remarkable achievement directly reflects the successes of the IDF and our defense industries in confronting Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, the Iranian regime, and other fronts where we defend against Israel’s enemies. The world recognizes Israeli strength and seeks to partner with us.”
According to the Defense Ministry’s announcement, since the outbreak of the war, both the ministry and defense industries have shifted into emergency mode, working around the clock to supply the IDF while maintaining production for international clients. The ministry also noted that the unprecedented operational successes and the valuable combat experience gained by Israeli technologies during the still ongoing war have significantly increased global demand for Israeli defense products.
In 2024, the upward trend in defense exports of air defense systems continued, making up 48% of total transactions, up from 36% in 2023. There was also a notable surge in satellite and space systems exports, which accounted for 8% of transactions in 2024, compared to just 2% the previous year. Additionally, contracts with European countries saw significant growth, representing 54% of all transactions in 2024, up from 35% in 2023.
DEFENSE EXPORT BREAKDOWN BY REGION
* Europe: 54%
* Asia and the Pacific: 23%
* Abraham Accords Countries: 12%
* North America: 9%
* Latin America: 1%
* Africa: 1%
KEY PILLARS OF DEFENSE EXPORTS
* Air defense systems, missiles, and rockets: 48%
* Vehicles and armored vehicles: 9%
* Satellites and space systems: 8%
* Radar and air defense systems: 8%
* Manned aircraft and avionics: 8%
* Surveillance and optronics: 6%
* Information intelligence and cyber: 4%
* Ammunition and armament: 3%
* Firearms and launch vehicles: 2%
* ICT and communication systems: 2%
* UAVs and drones: 1%
* Naval platforms and systems: 1%
