2012 best year for Israel’s arms exports

Just weeks after serious budget cuts, Defense Ministry reveals Israel’s arms export totaled $7.4 billion for 2012

By Yoav Zitun

Israel‘s export of defense-related products registered an all time record in 2012 totaling $7.4 billion, compared to $5.8 billion in 2011, according to Defense Ministry data.

Iron Dome

Israel’s Anti-rocket system, Iron Dome – Photo courtesy IDF Spokesperson’s Office

The main export destinations were markets in Asia and the Pacific Ocean. The two most lucrative deals were the sale of a satellite and advanced spy planes to Italy.

Shmaya Avieli, head of the Foreign Defense Assistance and Defense Export Department estimated that export in 2013 will total some $4.3 billion adding that Israel is considering new deals with Turkey. “We never halted transactions with Turkey,” he said.

Despite the surge in export, 2012 saw a decrease in the revenues of small and medium industries which totaled $500 million.

According to the Defense Ministry, this is the result of a global trend of growing reliance on local industries, particularly in Asia and South America.

Eitan (UAV-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) – Photo courtesy IDF Spokesperson’s Office

The defense establishment admitted to difficulties in marketing various components of the Iron Dome system. “We are making efforts to market them as well as a system that intercepts anti-tank missiles. We have to be patient,” Avieli said.

 

View original Ynet publication at: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4408718,00.html