Israeli defense exports surged to an unprecedented $13.1 billion last year, propelled by contracts signed across various defense firms, according to a government report.

"Despite the war, 2023 set a new record characterized by significant export deals," stated the Israeli Defense Ministry.

The report reveals that missile, rocket, and air defense systems comprised 36 percent of exports. Radar and electronic warfare, weapon stations, and launchers each accounted for 11 percent, while crewed aircraft and avionics made up nine percent.

Defense exports, which stood at $12.5 billion in 2022, have doubled over the last five years. The Israeli Defense Ministry highlighted that defense exports are now a major priority, aiming to enhance global security and strategic relations, enter new markets, eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, and reduce regulations.

"While our industries primarily focus on equipping our troops and defending our citizens, they are also pursuing international cooperation and exports," said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

"Even in a year where Israel faced conflicts on seven fronts, defense exports continued to break records," Gallant added.

The Asia–Pacific region emerged as the largest buyer of Israeli defense products, purchasing 48 percent of total exports, followed by Europe at 35 percent. The UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, constituted 3 percent of arms sales, down from 24 percent in 2022.

The release of these figures comes amid increasing international pressure on several countries to halt arms trade with Israel due to its war in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, predominantly women and children.

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