Israel Defense Exports Reach $2.6 Billion, New Data Reveals
by Ruthie Blum
Israel’s military exports increased last year by 14%, according to data released Wednesday by the head of the relevant Defense Ministry’s division, the Hebrew news site Walla reported.
According to the report, Brig. Gen. (res.) Michel Ben-Baruch of SIBAT, said this is the second year in a row that defense exports have increased and that more than one-third of the deals – totaling $2.6 billion — were conducted in Asia and the Pacific.
During 2016, the report said, Israel’s defense industries signed dozens of deals with other countries. Most of the transactions involved enhanced aircraft and aerial systems (20%), optical and observation tools (18%), missiles and aerial defense systems (15%) and ammunition (13%).
Ben-Baruch told Walla that the increase in exports is the result of “the quality of the products and technology in various realms, such as cyber and border defense and smart cities.”
He explained, “Israel’s defense industries enjoy high prestige in the world thanks to advanced technology and quality, and we are proud to conclude a challenging and successful year.”
As was reported in The Algemeiner on Wednesday, the Indian Defense Ministry just inked a $1 billion deal to purchase Israeli anti-tank missiles.