Israel hits $7.2 billion in weapons exports

The Israeli defense industry reached a high in 2010 of $7.2 billion in exports, up from the $6.9 billion it had achieved in 2009, thus placing Israel among the world's top four weapons exporters.

Orders also rose from $17.3 billion in 2009 to $18.8 billion in 2010, a ministry statement said.

“Despite the global economic crisis, Israel’s military industries have experienced a period of stability and growth and made a very important contribution to the national economy,” said ministry director Udi Shani.

According to Israeli government estimates, Israeli defense companies sold military hardware worth some $9.6 billion in 2010, with about $2.4 billion of it going to Israel's military.

The Israelis hope to find new clients at this year's Paris Air Show, a major international defense industry showcase taking place on Monday in Le Bourget.

Among the main attractions at the show's Israeli pavilion will be the Iron Dome system, an inteceptor intended to counter short range projectiles built by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel using funds to the tune of $205 million from the US,PNN reported.

Israel deployed theIron Dome system’s first battery on March 27 near the southern city of Beersheva and a second battery was deployed near Ashkelon on April 4. Just three days later, it passed its first test when it intercepted rockets from Gaza.

The Israeli daily The Jerusalem Post reported in March that the Defense Ministry was considering Iron Dome sales to European NATO states.

The Israeli defense industry has also been looking more and more to the Third World for buyers, particularly countries in Asia and Latin America.