The process begins with DECA’s licensing review, which evaluates whether a technology could alter regional balances or violate international agreements.
By Hezy Laing
Israel’s decisions about exporting or sharing defense technology are shaped by a multilayered system involving the Ministry of Defense, the Defense Export Controls Agency, the Israel Defense Forces, and the National Security Council.
Since the Defense Export Control Law of 2007, every transfer to partners such as the United States, India, Germany, or states aligned through the Abraham Accords must pass a structured review that weighs strategic benefit, diplomatic impact, and regional stability.
In 2023, Israel’s defense exports reached $13.9 billion, with more than 30% going to Europe and 29% to Asia, according to official Ministry of Defense figures.
The process begins with DECA’s licensing review, which evaluates whether a technology could alter regional balances or violate international agreements.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides political assessments, while the IDF’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development evaluates operational sensitivity.
Technologies considered core strategic assets undergo additional scrutiny by the Defense Minister and the Prime Minister’s Office.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir have emphasized that exports must not compromise the IDF’s qualitative military edge, a principle central to coordination with the United States.
Israel typically shares systems that strengthen alliances without exposing classified capabilities.
Five notable examples include the Iron Dome interceptor system, co‑developed with the United States and acquired by the U.S. Army in 2020.
Another is the EL/M‑2084 Multi‑Mission Radar, exported to countries including Canada and the Czech Republic.
The SPYDER air‑defense system has been purchased by Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
The Harop loitering platform has been exported to India and Azerbaijan.
The TROPHY active protection system was integrated into U.S. Army M1A2 Abrams tanks in 2018.
Israel restricts technologies that reveal intelligence‑collection methods, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, or systems tied to its nuclear ambiguity policy.
Countries with unstable political environments or histories of diversion are routinely denied licenses.
Even close partners receive modified versions of sensitive platforms, ensuring that the IDF retains unique operational advantages.
Ultimately, Israel’s export decisions reflect a balance between economic growth, diplomatic leverage, and national security.
By tightly regulating what it shares, Israel maintains strategic partnerships while safeguarding the technological edge that has defined its defense posture for decades.
Israel’s defense‑technology export map has shifted sharply in recent years, with some regions becoming major growth markets while others have seen steep declines.
India remains Israel’s strongest defense partner in Asia, expanding cooperation in air‑defense systems, drones and electronic‑warfare technologies.
South Korea has also deepened its collaboration with Israel, especially in radar and missile‑defense development.
Europe has become one of Israel’s fastest‑growing markets, driven by security concerns following the war in Ukraine.
Countries such as Poland, Romania, Finland, the Czech Republic and the Baltic states have increased purchases of Israeli UAVs, air‑defense systems and surveillance technologies.
Germany’s acquisition of the Arrow‑3 missile‑defense system marked one of Israel’s largest defense deals and strengthened bilateral ties.
The Abraham Accords opened new defense channels in the Middle East and North Africa, with the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco expanding their use of Israeli drones, cyber‑defense tools and surveillance systems.
At the same time, Israel has reduced or halted exports to several states.
Defense ties with Turkey have eroded due to political tensions, ending what was once a significant partnership.
Exports to China have been sharply limited under American pressure, and Russia is no longer a meaningful customer due to sanctions and geopolitical constraints.
Israel has also stopped sales to Myanmar and reduced exports to unstable African and Latin American countries such as South Sudan, Venezuela and Nicaragua.
