Defence industry plays an important role in the Czech economy. Defence manufacturers represent a broad range of sectors - from suppliers of individual components, such as optical sights or light fire arms, to the production of complex solutions such as combat aircraft or radar equipment. The main objective of our participation at ISDEF is therefore to support our traditional industry, reflecting strategic priorities of Czech economic diplomacy.

Israel is among the most advanced defence manufacturers. It allocates the largest share of GDP (consistently over 6%) for defence among the OECD member states. Per capita, its defence costs are the fifth highest in the world. The annual export of Israeli defence and security technologies exceeds 8 billion dollars. This places Israel among the top 10 defence-related exporters globally, and, according to some criteria - within the first five. Defence-related exports account for 10% of Israel's total industrial exports, and 71% of defence-related productions is exported. In the military UAV segment, though it only represents 5% of its defence industry, Israel is the world largest exporter, before the United States. The greatest share on the defence-related production is attributed Israel Aerospace Industries, Israel Military Industries, Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

While Israel represents only 1,5% of Czech defence-related exports (we aim to change it), for the Czech exporters of defence and security technologies, this market is not an unknown territory. Česká zbrojovka, Sellier & Bellot, LOM Praha, Meopta Systems, TATRA TRUCKS, VOP, OPTOKON, MESIT, ERA, Lanex, and NESS Czech are all firmly present in the Israeli market. The main export items are vehicles (38%), reconnaissance equipment (32%), heavy fire arms (11%) and other technologies (5%). We are delighted to see new companies joining this year’s exposition.

In addition, the Czech defence industry can build on the vital military and economic assistance of Czechoslovakia provided to Israel before and during the War of Independence in 1948-1949. This historic bound is in both countries well remembered. Czech and Israeli companies are encouraged to build strategic partnerships at ISDEF, to jointly develop modern defence technologies and explore access to third markets, where one or the other has a strong position. Collaboration with top Israeli companies not only opens the doors to other markets, but above all, through achieving higher technological level, it strengthens international competitiveness of Czech manufacturers. New trade and development partnerships in the defence and security sectors help to make the Czech Republic visible in Israel, but also help to ensure the defence of our strategic partners.