Israel's annual arms sales reaches new record of $11.3 billion in 2021, the Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
The International Defense Cooperation Directorate, known as SIBAT, said that defense exports rose from $8.3 billion in 2020 to $11.3 billion in 2021. The previous high was in 2017, with $9.2 billion.
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Drone pilots from five countries and Israel pose in front of a Hermes-450
(Photo: Israel Defense force)
“Israel’s defense exports have reached double-digit figures for the first time, reaching a 55 percent increase within two years,” Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas, the head of SIBAT, told reporters on Monday.
“Demand for Israeli defense products has risen in the past year, manifesting in the sharp increase in transactions between countries, among other things,” Kulas continued.
The largest buyer of Israeli defense goods was Europe, purchasing 41 percent of total exports. The Asia-Pacific region purchased 34 percent, followed by North America with 12 percent.
Countries under the Abraham Accords, such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, accounted for 7 percent of the defense goods. Finally, Africa and Latin America each purchased 3 percent.
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President Donald Trump speaks during the Abraham Accords signing ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House
(Photo: AP)
“Looking ahead, shifting global priorities and partnerships such as the Abraham Accords create high demand for Israel’s cutting-edge technological systems,” Kulas said.
The most significant chunk of exports, at 20 percent, were missiles, rockets and air-defense systems, followed by training services at 15 percent.
First published: 20:07, 04.12.22