Israel Shifts to Homegrown Arms Amid Strained US Relations

In response to mounting tensions with the United States and ongoing conflict, Israel is making a strategic pivot towards the domestic production of critical weaponry for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Historically reliant on foreign suppliers, particularly the United States, Israel is now focusing on developing and manufacturing its own heavy bombs and other essential military equipment.

According to reports from Israel Hayom, the Israeli Defense Ministry has decided to produce heavy bombs for the Israeli Air Force (IAF) domestically, including one-ton bombs similar to the American MK-84s. This decision comes after the delivery of these bombs was delayed for months due to a direct order from the White House. The move underscores Israel's growing emphasis on self-reliance in defense manufacturing, especially in light of recent geopolitical challenges.

The Defense Ministry's strategy involves maintaining minimal production lines that can be rapidly scaled up when needed. This approach will also see an increase in the procurement of armored fighting vehicles for the IDF, including the renowned Merkava tanks and armored personnel carriers (APCs). The production of these vehicles is set to ramp up significantly, driven by the need to equip a new division and to rehabilitate the vehicles used during recent conflicts.

The development and production of these new heavy bombs are expected to take two to three years. Although the U.S. has yet to approve the transfer of these munitions to the IAF, there are indications that a resolution may be forthcoming. In the meantime, the U.S. has resumed the supply of half-ton MK-83 bombs, which had also been stalled prior to the outbreak of hostilities.

In addition to bomb production, Israel’s Defense Ministry is expanding its domestic production of other crucial armaments, such as tank ammunition and 155mm shells, both of which are in short supply globally. A recent 1.5 billion-shekel ($400,000) contract with Elbit Systems highlights this effort, including plans for a new specialized factory in southern Israel. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure the IDF remains equipped with the necessary tools to face future threats.

Maj. Gen. (Res) Eyal Zamir, the Director General of the Defense Ministry, described these efforts as “a large-scale strategic move designed to ensure the IDF’s war machine continues to advance.” He emphasized the ministry's commitment to investing tens of billions in infrastructure and capabilities, expanding production lines, and building new facilities to achieve production independence.

The ministry has also entered into another significant deal with Elbit Systems, purchasing Iron Sting mortar bombs for 815 million shekels ($216 million). These advanced precision bombs, guided by both laser and GPS, represent the cutting edge of Israel's efforts to enhance its military capabilities through domestic innovation.

The IDF is also awaiting approval for the procurement of a new F-15 squadron from the United States and Reshef-class ships for the Israeli Navy. While these developments will undoubtedly bolster Israel’s strategic independence, defense officials caution that the shift to homegrown arms production will be both costly and time-consuming.

As Israel strengthens its domestic defense industry, it aims to ensure that the IDF remains a formidable force, capable of defending the nation against any future threats, regardless of the complexities of international relations.

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