Aiming to reduce dependence on US, Israeli firm to produce heavy bombs, other materials for IDF

The Defense Ministry has signed two major deals with Elbit Systems for the arms contractor to supply the military with thousands of heavy bombs and establish a new plant to manufacture raw materials.

The two deals are estimated at NIS 1 billion ($275 million).

The ministry says the agreements are “crucial for enhancing the IDF’s operational endurance and force build-up capabilities.”

Under the first agreement, Elbit will supply thousands of heavy air munitions used by the Israeli Air Force. This will apparently reduce Israel’s need to rely on the United States, which in late spring held up a shipment of heavy bombs.

Under the second agreement, Elbit will establish a “national raw materials plant to produce raw materials that were sourced mainly from abroad before the war.”

“The new facility will feature advanced production lines for energetic materials that Israel’s defense industry uses,” the ministry says, adding that the project is expected to “strengthen domestic manufacturing independence and reduce reliance on imported raw materials.”