Israel is moving to shore up its military independence from the United States
On Tuesday, Israel’s Defense Ministry announced that defense supplier Elbit Systems has been handed a $275 million contract that is “crucial for enhancing the IDF’s operational endurance and force build-up capabilities.”
“The new facility will feature advanced production lines for energetic materials that Israel’s defense industry uses. It is expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing independence and reduce reliance on imported raw materials,” the statement reads.
The deal represents one of Israel’s largest steps toward military manufacturing independence since the start of the war. Under the new agreement Elbit will produce thousands of heavy air munitions for the Israeli Air Force, the Times of Israel reports.