When asked how he sums up the past year, Yoav Turgeman, CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd, pauses for a moment. “It was an intense year, perhaps the most challenging we have ever known,” he says. “An all-out war on seven fronts, a direct confrontation with Iran, attacks on Israel’s home front, and a reality changing at a dizzying pace. Alongside all this was our need at Rafael to combine an immediate operational response with continued development and long-term innovation.”
Turgeman heads one of Israel’s most significant defense companies and is fully aware of the national responsibility resting on his shoulders across all fronts. “Over the past year, we stood on the front line of Israel’s defense. Alongside operational activity, we maintained functional and operational continuity, expanded our global partnerships, developed new systems and launched projects that will deliver the next breakthrough to the battlefield."
You are referring, among other things, to the breakthrough brought by the ‘Iron Beam’ laser system.
“It is difficult to single out one achievement from such broad and comprehensive activity, but the laser breakthrough with ‘Iron Beam’ symbolizes, more than anything, what we are capable of. It is the first system in the world to demonstrate an operational interception capability using a high-powered laser. This is a historic milestone not only for Rafael, but for the entire defense industry.
“I believe we have changed the rules of the game, using energy and laser technology as a real defensive tool rather than kinetic interceptors. This represents a fundamental conceptual shift in the future battlefield. It is another development that places Rafael at the forefront of global innovation, alongside enormous responsibility. Every success of ours redefines what is possible and where the limits of defense capabilities lie.”
The confrontation with Iran is a clear example.
“Yes. In Operation Rising Lion, we saw how the small Israel succeeded where much larger powers have failed. I am extremely proud of our ability to provide the defense establishment with the most advanced technologies, which made this extraordinary operation possible, one that will be studied in the history books of modern warfare.
“Rafael systems, in defense, in precise and intelligent offensive capabilities, and in intelligence and cyber support, enabled the achievement of impressive air superiority. Iron Dome and David’s Sling operated alongside the Arrow missile defense system to defend Israel’s civilians with unprecedented performance. There were heavy losses, but the systems prevented far greater damage that could have resulted from the hundreds of missiles launched toward the civilian population.”
“All of this took place while reserve duty significantly reduced our workforce during the war, at its peak nearly 20% of our employees were called up. To me, that says everything about the unique DNA of Rafael’s employees and their dedication. Many served hundreds of days in reserve duty, and when they were on leave, they came into the offices to support the war effort from here as well."
Seeing people as the core of success
Turgeman assumed his role as Rafael’s CEO in February 2024. Previously, he served as CEO of IAI's Elta Systems and, over many years, managed the MLM Division and led the development of the Arrow missile system.
“Rafael is a rare combination of a scientific research institute at the highest level and an advanced, world-leading industry,” he says. “Most of Israel’s national centers of knowledge, experience and capabilities are concentrated under one roof here, and that is an unparalleled advantage. Our work relies on thousands of dedicated employees who work around the clock, in routine times and during war. Thanks to them, Rafael continues to grow at an impressive pace.”
How do you retain your workforce?
“Last year we recruited more than 1,800 employees, and this year the numbers are similar. I believe retention begins from the very first moment someone joins. When you recruit with a genuine belief in a person’s potential, invest in them and allow them to express themselves, they become advocates from within the organization.
“This is not just a retention strategy, it is a worldview: seeing people as the core of success. We focus on strengthening a sense of belonging and purpose in what we do. Employees stay where they feel seen, heard and part of something bigger than themselves. Alongside continuous investment in technological leadership and good working conditions, we invest heavily in our community, employment, growth opportunities, professional learning and personal empowerment.
“The competition for the brightest engineers and researchers is intensifying, and I believe the way to retain them is not only through high salaries, but through a sense of purpose and professional challenge.”
Still, recruiting top-tier technological personnel is no simple task.
“At Rafael there are more than 240 types of positions related to complex projects across multiple disciplines. To meet the recruitment challenge, we have expanded outreach to diverse populations, including young engineers, scientists and technicians from across the country, as well as wounded IDF veterans who bring with them fighting spirit, commitment and values.
“Today’s young employees are looking for purpose. They want to know their work makes a difference. Our advantage is that here, we do not just develop technology, we see the systems in action, breaking boundaries and protecting our home. Candidates understand that Rafael is at the heart of the technological innovation revolution.”
The solutions developed by Rafael include some of the most advanced systems in artificial intelligence, autonomy, big data and quantum technologies. “In many fields, we are not only using these technologies, we are also developing them ourselves,” Turgeman says. “This stems from the belief that Israel must have independent knowledge-generation capabilities.
“Artificial intelligence, for example, is now integrated into almost every layer of our activity, from interception and combat systems based on learning algorithms, through real-time fusion of vast amounts of data from multiple sources, to support for operational decision-making and smart maintenance of complex systems.
"Automation and big data allow us to streamline development and production processes, improve performance and create a tight link between research and operational execution.”
What is your vision for Rafael’s future?
“The company will continue to fulfill its national and global mission: to be a significant pillar of Israel’s security while remaining a growing global business. I don't know many companies whose vision is placing contribution to national security ahead of business considerations, and that is what makes us unique.
“Rafael of the next decade will continue to be a global, growing and profitable company, leading the defense-tech market in Israel and around the world.”