Israel has signed a contract with local security firm Elbit Systems to procure aerial munitions worth approximately 600 million shekels (~$200 million), the Israel Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
Production will take place at Elbit facilities across the country, employing thousands of workers, the ministry noted.

“We are continuing to strengthen the State of Israel’s munitions independence,” the statement quoted Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz as saying.

“The Israel Defense Forces must have, at all times, the means to operate with power, speed, and without reliance on external factors. As we mark the 78th Independence Day, this carries special significance; true independence is also measured by the ability to produce and defend ourselves on our own,” Katz added.