Ex-Air Force Chief Amikam Norkin to Lead Anduril's Israel Operations
American defense tech giant Anduril has selected former Israeli Air Force Commander, Major General (Res.) Amikam Norkin, to head its operations in Israel. The appointment, not yet officially announced, concludes a months-long selection process where the company considered several former senior security officials. Norkin, an early frontrunner, will lead the expansion of one of the world's fastest-growing defense technology firms into the Israeli market. Other candidates considered included former IDF Planning Directorate head Major General (Res.) Amir Abulafia.
Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf visited Israel in late June, meeting with potential candidates for the leadership role and with officials from the Ministry of Defense and defense industries. Norkin's selection marks Anduril's transition from market assessment to establishing a permanent presence in Israel.
The move occurs as Anduril is reportedly in the midst of a significant funding round, potentially valuing the company at around $100 billion. This follows a $5 billion raise in May at a $61 billion valuation. If the current round closes at the discussed terms, it would represent a substantial increase in the company's valuation within months.
Norkin is expected to manage Anduril's relationships with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the IDF, drive sales of the company's products in Israel, and foster collaborations with local defense industries. Anduril has been gradually building its presence, with founder Palmer Luckey previously meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli defense figures. The company is also collaborating with Elbit Systems on the Sigma 155 artillery system, known in the IDF as "Ro'em."
Norkin, who commanded the Air Force from 2017 to 2022, brings extensive knowledge of military needs and procurement processes. His background suggests Anduril may focus on autonomous aerial systems and their integration with command and control layers in Israel. Since leaving the military, Norkin has been a managing partner at Ace Capital Partners, focusing on aviation, space, and defense technologies.
Anduril, founded in 2017, aims to be a new type of defense manufacturer, developing and offering ready-made products to militaries. Its core technology is the AI-powered Lattice platform, connecting sensors and autonomous systems. The company also produces drones, counter-drone systems, and unmanned underwater vehicles. The US military recently awarded Anduril a ten-year framework agreement potentially worth up to $20 billion.
Anduril's entry into Israel presents both opportunities and competitive challenges for the local defense tech sector, potentially impacting collaborations, talent acquisition, and startup acquisitions.
