Israel’s Rising Role in Global Defense Exports: A Strategic Overview

Israel, the top regional power in the Middle East, has used its top-tier military defense capabilities to protect its borders from numerous threats since 1948. Already a military superpower, the Israelis have expanded their soft power by becoming a significant export of technology and scientific advancements. Now, Tel Aviv is looking to grow its defense industry.

Israel has decided to expand their military exports to various countries in those regions by enhancing their partnerships throughout the Middle West, North Africa, and Europe.

David’s Sling to Finland

Finland has reassessed their national security and neutrality following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Already Europe’s largest reserve army and artillery stockpiles, Helsinki requested a NATO ascension, which was granted earlier this year.

Needing a valid air defense and deterrence to Russia’s aggressive Baltic and Northern fleet, Finland has purchased David’s Sling missile defense system from Israel. The United States approved the sale in early August, and the transfer of the missile system will be completed later this year.

According to the Israeli defense ministry, David’s Sling can intercept drones, crusade missiles, and ballistic missiles (including nuclear-tipped ones). With a nuclear umbrella under the American, French, and British doctrine, Helsinki will now have an advanced nuclear missile defense system thanks to Tel Aviv.

Spike Missiles to Poland

Poland has gone through Europe’s most significant military spending spree not seen since WWII. Becoming a shield of Eastern Europe, Poland has massively remilitarized, purchasing hundreds of billions of tanks, jets, drones, and long-range rocket systems from countries such as South Korea, Turkey, and the United States.

Israel has become another desired industry to supplement Poland’s defense. Warsaw reportedly looks to secure a $100 million deal to secure the competent spike anti-tank missile system from Tel Aviv. With rising Russian and Belarusian threats toward their country, Poland will continue to build up its military readiness.

Merkava Tanks to Cyprus and Morocco

Looking to phase out their older versions of the Merkava’s, Israel announced it would sell the more senior I and II versions to a European and African nations. Haaretz reported that Cyprus and Morocco would be requisitioning the tanks.

The Merkava tanks are competent in desert warfare with rigid terrains, something both Cyprus and Morocco have. With the US lifting the arms embargo against Cyprus and Morocco recognizing Israel, the sales are a perfect march for all three defense industries.

Growing their relations with both countries, Israel has recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and has enhanced Cyprus’ economic and military capabilities. Energy deals through Cyprus and joint military drills will help prepare the country for Turkish threats and continued cooperation with Morocco and help counter Algeria.

Defense Purchases to Romania

Romania has nearly mirrored Poland’s remilitarization through defense purchases and expenditures. Building up its military capabilities, Romania is eyeing the Iron Dome missile defense system, which could mitigate Russian provocative actions with the Iranian Shahed drones near their border.

Along with a proposed purchase of Israeli missile defense batteries, Israeli contractors are upgrading Romania’s attack helicopters and have purchased their Watchkeeper drones. Bucharest, which hosts the American-made THAAD missile system and a large contingent of US forces, will also enhance its capabilities with Tel Aviv for the foreseeable future.

Rising Defense Exports as Threats Emerge

Ironically, rising threats across various axes have played a role in Israel’s growing defense industry. Finland, Poland, and Romania are frontline NATO members that would feel a domino effect if a large-scale war occurred against Russia. If Russia succeeded in capturing and capitulating all of Ukraine earlier in the war, the Kremlin would most likely not have stopped as Russian media and even Putin himself have heightened genocidal rhetoric that independence for Eastern Europe “was a mistake.”

Cyprus is currently occupied by a five-decade occupation by 40,000 Turkish troops. Ankara has illegally occupied one-third of the country’s north, and despite international condemnation, Turkey refuses to withdraw their forces. Heightened threats, such as Erdogan threatening to annex the occupied north into Turkey, have made Nicosia reconsider their lukewarm security apparatus and strengthen bilateral ties with Israel. Wanting to replace their Soviet-era tank brigades to combat the Turkish threat, the Merkava’s will suit Nicosia well, as they are considered the best tanks outside the US.

Israel also secured its largest ever defense export with Germany. Allocating the Arrow-3 defense systems to Berlin will allow Germany to combat any missile threats against their nation during the remilitarization process.

Exporting weapons to emerging military powers in Europe and the MENA region has put Israeli defense expenditures at the forefront of the lucrative global arms market. Israel, which for decades kept itself as a regional player, now looks to expand as a global power, and its defense exports will become a primary focus in achieving this goal.