Israel’s defense exports soared to an unprecedented $14.795 billion in 2024, setting an all-time high for the fourth consecutive year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Defense and its International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT). This represents a 13% increase from the $13 billion reported in 2023 and marks more than a doubling of export volumes over the past five years.

More than half (56.8%) of all agreements signed in 2024 were “mega-deals” valued at over $100 million, underscoring the growing scale and strategic importance of Israeli defense partnerships globally. The Defense Ministry noted a significant surge in European demand, with Europe accounting for 54% of all Israeli defense exports—up sharply from 35% in 2023. This reflects heightened military investment on the continent, driven in part by ongoing security challenges such as the war in Ukraine.

Asia and the Pacific followed with 23% of the export volume, while countries that normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords—including the UAE and Bahrain—made up 12%. North America accounted for 9%, and Latin America and Africa each constituted 1% of the total.

The leading category of defense exports in 2024 was missile, rocket, and air defense systems—such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling—which made up 48% of the total deal volume, up from 36% in 2023. Satellite and space systems also saw significant growth, comprising 8% of exports, compared to just 2% the previous year.

Other major sectors included:

• Vehicles and armored personnel carriers (9%)
• Radar and electronic warfare systems (8%)
• Manned aircraft and avionics (8%)
• Observation and optronics (6%)
• Intelligence, information, and cyber systems (4%)
• Ammunition and armaments (3%)
• Weapon stations and launchers (2%)
• C4I and communication systems (2%)
• Drones and UAVs (1%)
• Maritime systems and platforms (1%)

The Defense Ministry emphasized that this record was achieved during a year of intense conflict, following the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023. Despite the operational demands of supporting the IDF, Israeli defense industries continued to meet their international obligations, maintaining high production capacity and credibility in global markets.

Defense Minister Israel Katz hailed the achievement, stating:
“Precisely during a difficult and complex year of war, Israel has broken an all-time record in defense exports – $15 billion. This tremendous achievement is a direct result of the successes of the IDF and defense industries against Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, the Ayatollah regime in Iran, and other arenas. The world sees Israeli strength and seeks to be a partner in it.”

IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, added: “This record reflects growing global appreciation for Israel’s proven defense technology. More nations want to protect their citizens using Israeli systems. Defense exports help sustain and strengthen the IDF while also fueling the Israeli economy.”

Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas, head of SIBAT, emphasized the synergy between the defense industries, the IDF, and the Ministry of Defense as key to Israel’s export success: “The unique partnership we have enables Israel to simultaneously serve the IDF’s wartime needs and meet surging global demand. These results reinforce Israel’s position as a global defense-tech leader.”

The Defense Ministry concluded that Israeli defense exports in 2024 are a testament to the resilience, innovation, and battlefield-proven performance of its defense sector—even amid conflict—highlighting the trust placed in Israeli systems and the strength of its strategic global relationships.