Paris Air Show, 19.06.2023:

The Israel Ministry of Defense’s national pavilion was inaugurated during a ceremony attended by Director of SIBAT, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas, Deputy Director General and Head of the Directorate of Production and Procurement, Zeev Landau, and heads of Israeli defense industries.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated at the inauguration ceremony, “Israel’s ability to face threats is determined by the dedicated individuals who tirelessly work to develop state-of-the-art technology. This ongoing and highly challenging battle of intellect mostly takes place behind the scenes. In recent years, this intellectual contest has been gaining momentum, and I can confidently affirm that Israel surpasses its adversaries in both defensive and offensive capabilities. Iran is closer than ever to gaining military-nuclear capabilities, and it is conducting a war of attrition against us by engaging in proxy terrorism. This clear strategy aims to destabilize not only the region but also the world. In response to Iran’s efforts, the Israeli defense establishment is working to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power, utilizing all the resources at our disposal.”

Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, said,“The global landscape is evolving rapidly, bringing forth various multidimensional threats and opportunities. Countries are allocating substantial resources, doubling and even tripling their defense budgets. Defense exports play a vital role in bolstering the economy. In line with the Defense Minister’s directive, defense exports will be a central focus in the Ministry of Defense’s multi-year plan. We will persist in taking action to streamline bureaucratic processes and increase investments in research and development. Our goal is to spearhead innovative capabilities in energy weapons, space technology and satellites, defense cyber capabilities, and AI technology for defense applications. During this exhibition, the Minister of Defense and I will engage in discussions with our counterparts including defense ministers, delegations, and leaders of prominent defense industries. Our objective is to fortify cooperation and broaden opportunities for collaboration.”

Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, “The State of Israel has adopted a strategy of security independence, and the Israeli pavilion illustrates this well. It presents the extraordinary capacity of the Israeli industry, as well as the innovative and effective solutions that respond to the military and security needs of the State of Israel and, as a result, to the needs that are developing around the world. On behalf of the defense industries, I would like to thank and express my full appreciation to our colleagues from SIBAT (International Defense Cooperation Directorate in the Defense Ministry) MAFAT (Directorate of Defense Research and Development) and the personnel of the Foreign Ministry who are working day and night to promote Israeli defense exports. Their extensive activity constitutes an infrastructure for international growth and enables new breakthroughs and the expansion of all of our business activities. Together, we contribute to security, economy and employment in Israel”.