Israeli defense company Elbit receives $335 million order from European nation

One of Israel’s leading defense companies, Elbit Systems, has received a $335 million order from an undisclosed European country, the organization announced on Monday. The order involves the delivery of Hermes 900 UAVs and PULS rocket launchers, which will be delivered over approximately three and a half years. 

Bezhalel Machlis, president and CEO of Elbit Systems, welcomed the order, which he said signaled continued global trust in Israeli military innovations. 

“These contracts reflect the global trust in our innovative systems, such as the PULS and Hermes 900, which are designed to meet a broad range of mission requirements,” Machlis stated. “Through our comprehensive portfolio, we remain committed to providing our customers with reliable, technologically advanced tools that address today’s complex defense challenges.”

The Hermes 900 UAV, one of Elbit’s flagship products, has been used by Israel Defense Forces in the ongoing war against the Iranian terror proxy groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Designed for multi-role missions, the Hermes 900 is classified as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV. It can be deployed for intelligence gathering, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions both on land and in maritime contexts. There are approximately 20 countries that currently use the Israeli Hermes 900 UAV. 

The unnamed European client will also receive the PULS system, a cost-effective and versatile platform designed to launch missiles, as well as precision-guided and unguided rockets, across various ranges.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, global demand for Israeli military products has soared. In the second quarter of 2024, Elbit reported a record-high order backlog estimated to be worth some $21 billion. 

Earlier in November, Elbit won a $127 million contract to boost the defensive capabilities of the United States Army. 

Elbit Systems General Manager Yehuda Vered said that the large order emphasizes Elbit’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the U.S. military and other allied forces. 

“This follow-on contract with our strategic partner, GD-OTS, emphasizes the high quality of our active protection system and its level of innovation. We are proud of our contribution to empowering the US Armed Forces, as well as other NATO customers and our support of the Israeli Defense Forces,” Vered stated.

“We remain committed to advancing cutting-edge solutions that enhance our customers' operational capabilities and support their mission success,” he added. 

Elbit Systems plays a critical role in boosting Israel’s defensive and offensive military capabilities amid war. 

In October, the Israeli Ministry of Defense signed a $500 million agreement with Elbit and Rafael Advanced Systems regarding the production of the Iron Beam, the world’s first laser-based aerial defense interception system. 

Once operational, the Iron Beam will complement Israel’s existing aerial defense systems, such as the Iron Dome. 

“The combination of laser interception and missile interception will further tighten the defense envelope against rockets, missiles, drones, cruise missiles and other threats,” said Israeli Defense Ministry Gen. (res.) Dr. Daniel Gold, who invented the Iron Dome.