Missile defense stockpiles worry Israel: IAI head admits serious problem

Boaz Levi, chairman of the board of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), admitted that Israel faces a constant shortage of interceptor missiles due to the prolonged war and massive attacks. Production operates around the clock, but the complexity and length of the production cycle make it impossible to fully eliminate the deficit. Levi linked increasing stockpiles to additional funding.

Boaz Levi, chairman of the board of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), admitted that Israel faces a persistent problem of interceptor missile shortages for its air defense systems. In an interview with Ynet at the MEAD conference, he stated that the prolonged war and the need to repel massive rocket attacks create high consumption of air defense assets. Production operates around the clock, but the complexity and length of the production cycle for modern interceptors make it impossible to fully eliminate the deficit. Levi noted that there are both Israeli and American limitations. When asked if he can sleep soundly knowing the current volume of stockpiles, he replied: 'I will never be able to sleep soundly.' Levi linked further increases in stockpiles to additional funding for the defense industry, which depends on the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Finance. He also noted that the war has changed the perception of security: massive rocket and drone attacks have made air defense a part of daily life. IAI views Israeli defense technologies as a basis for cooperation with European and Gulf countries, including combining satellite intelligence and early warning systems to protect against the Iranian threat.