Israeli defense exports reach record $19.2 billion in 2025

Israeli defense exports reached a record $19.2 billion in 2025, reflecting a growing global demand for the country’s military technology, the Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday.

The figure represents an increase of nearly 30% over the previous year and more than doubles Israel’s defense exports from five years ago, underscoring the country’s expanding role in the global arms market.

The record-breaking sales come as many countries increase defense spending and seek battlefield-tested technologies developed during Israel’s nearly three-year conflict with Iran and its regional terrorist proxies Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.

According to ministry data, Europe accounted for 36% of Israeli defense exports, followed by the Asia-Pacific region with 32%, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with 15%, North America with 13%, and Latin America and Africa with 2% each.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that “there is a clear and unmistakable thread connecting the IDF’s battlefield achievements across all fronts, the extraordinary capabilities of Israel’s defense industries, and the success of Israeli defense exports around the world.”

Katz emphasized that Israel’s record export performance occurred despite the ongoing war.

“The fact that Israel continues to break defense export records even in the midst of a third year of war speaks to the tremendous respect and confidence the global community has placed in Israel's defense establishment. These achievements are built on the IDF's capabilities and those of our broader security forces – in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen.”

He argued that the export figures reflect both Israel’s military performance and technological innovation.

“Defense exports are a mirror of Israeli strength, ingenuity, and the ability to think differently.”

At the same time, Katz stressed that the growth in exports brings added responsibilities for Israel’s defense sector.

“The growing export figures reinforce Israel's position as a leading defense-technology power, but they also carry a responsibility: to keep innovating, to keep raising the bar, and above all to continue delivering for the IDF's operational needs during wartime – while meeting rising demand from partners around the world.”

Large defense deals valued at more than $100 million accounted for 53% of total exports.

Agreements worth between $50 million and $100 million accounted for 13%, while deals ranging from $10 million to $50 million accounted for 19%.

Contracts valued below $10 million accounted for the remaining 15%.

Israeli Ministry of Defense Director General Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram said the surge reflects both the strength of Israel’s defense sector and reforms implemented by the ministry.

“The sharp surge in defense exports reflects the quality of Israel’s defense industry, global demand, the IDF’s operational successes, and our unique ecosystem – but it is also the result of a deep reform carried out by the Ministry over the past year to reduce regulation and open new markets, which led to landmark deals,” Baram said.

He added that Israel is increasingly forming long-term strategic defense partnerships with governments around the world.

“Today, our force buildup budget relies heavily on these partnerships, yet we cannot stop there. As part of a defense industrial policy, we must advance complementary measures – investment in research and development and the expansion of production lines across the industries. This is the essential step for ensuring independence in critical munitions and interceptors, maintaining technological superiority, and generating Israel’s next surprises.”

SIBAT Director Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas echoed those sentiments, saying the figures demonstrate rising international interest in Israeli military technology:

“The 2025 defense export data, totaling over $19 billion – an all-time record – tells a simple story: many countries around the world have increased their defense and procurement budgets, and are interested in Israel’s defense industry. Israel’s defense industry is initiative-taking, dynamic, and creates effective solutions across air, sea, and land, at the forefront of technology.”

The export milestone follows another significant achievement for Israel’s defense sector. In March, the Jewish state became the world’s seventh-largest arms exporter, surpassing the United Kingdom, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).