Armament Independence: Israel to Establish Production Lines for Smart Bombs

The Defense Ministry will establish new production lines for smart bombs for the Israeli Air Force, aiming to achieve armament independence and reduce reliance on foreign entities amid tensions with Iran. Prime Minister Netanyahu approved a budget of 40 billion shekels, but the Finance Ministry refuses to transfer the funds, leading, according to the defense establishment, to the loss of a critical year of equipping.

The Defense Ministry announced the establishment of new production lines for precision munitions and smart bombs for the Israeli Air Force. The move is intended to accelerate the IDF's force buildup and create armament independence, while reducing dependence on foreign entities, against the backdrop of rising tensions between the United States and Iran and the possibility that Israel may need to act soon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a transfer of 15 billion shekels immediately and an additional 25 billion shekels by the end of the year, but the Finance Ministry refuses to actually transfer the funds. The defense establishment claims this is "the Treasury's method" – first under-budgeting, then blaming mismanagement. According to them, the refusal causes the loss of a critical year of equipping. Despite the budgetary dispute, the Defense Ministry has decided to begin establishing the new production lines in parallel with the struggle with the Treasury. Additionally, Israel is also expanding its Arrow interceptor production lines.