Israel accelerates domestic weapons production, seeks greater defense independence

Israel aims to begin domestic mass production of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bombs within two years as part of a broader effort to expand its defense industry and reduce reliance on imported weapons, according to a Jerusalem Post report. JDAM kits convert unguided “dumb” bombs into precision-guided munitions capable of operating in all weather conditions.

Israel began increasing domestic bomb production in 2024 following directives from then-IDF Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and former Justice Jacob Turkel. The move came after the Biden administration imposed a partial arms freeze on Israel over Washington’s opposition to Israeli military operations in Rafah in southern Gaza.

In January 2025, the Israeli Defense Ministry signed two large arms production agreements with the Israeli defense company Elbit Systems estimated to be worth $1 billion. The deals were intended to expand Israel’s domestic weapons industry and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly the United States.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who previously served as director general of the Defense Ministry, said that a “central lesson learned from the war” with Iran and its proxies was the need to expand Israel’s domestic military production capabilities amid growing international pressure and boycott efforts against the Israeli government.

“The new facility will feature advanced production lines for energetic materials that Israel’s defense industry uses,” the Defense Ministry said at the time.

At the same time, Israel has continued investing significant diplomatic and commercial efforts to secure vital arms imports, primarily from the United States and Germany.

Amir Baram, former IDF deputy chief who became director general of the Defense Ministry in early 2025, said Israel must pursue “two parallel tracks”: strengthening its domestic defense production base while maintaining strategic cooperation with allies to ensure a reliable supply of weapons and technology.

“The 1,000th aircraft that landed today represents another crucial link in the strategic supply chain for the State of Israel,” Baram said, describing the effort to secure weapons and equipment needed for future conflicts.

“This air munitions deal joins a series of multi-year, force-building agreements currently being advanced across air, land, and additional domains,” he added. “These agreements will enable inventory replenishment and procurement for years ahead, while investing in the expansion of our defense industrial base.”

Baram said the Defense Ministry’s focus remained on expanding aerial munitions production while replenishing weapons stocks used during recent operations. “Months of preparation and early readiness have enabled the IDF to operate with virtually no constraints in Iran and Lebanon,” he said, adding that expanded production lines would allow Israel to further increase manufacturing capacity.