IAI CEO Details Chaos, Resourcefulness on October 7
Boaz Levy, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), has revealed the immense challenges and improvisational efforts undertaken by the company in the immediate aftermath of the October 7th Hamas attacks. In an interview, Levy described how IAI was forced to rapidly expand production lines and supply munitions to the IDF, while simultaneously dealing with a massive employee mobilization. He emphasized that the war, which he described as potentially the longest in Israel's history, presented an unprecedented challenge, requiring the company to support not only its 16,000 employees but also an estimated 50,000 family members.
Levy recounted the chaotic morning of October 7th, stating he was at home on Sukkot when he began receiving calls about terrorists in the Gaza border communities. By 8:30 AM, an initial management meeting was held, and within about 90 minutes, IAI facilities were operational. A significant hurdle arose when security personnel, essential for opening and operating the facilities, were called up for reserve duty. IAI addressed this by quickly training and arming employees with relevant backgrounds to secure its sites across the country.
The company also faced critical shortages of munitions, as existing stockpiles were depleted much faster than anticipated due to the scale of the initial attacks. Levy explained that production lines, initially designed for the IDF's planned wartime needs, had to be drastically reconfigured. This involved expanding lines, hiring additional staff to work 24/7, including on holidays, and sourcing components both domestically and internationally, sometimes under embargoes.
Illustrating the resourcefulness required, Levy famously stated that IAI personnel resorted to buying tools and components from stores like Home Depot to quickly assemble makeshift production lines. He highlighted the 'Israeli chutzpah' and creativity that enabled the company to overcome these immediate obstacles within days, despite challenges with subcontractors and international suppliers struggling to meet the escalated demand.
Looking forward, Levy stressed the need for multi-year defense budgets that allow industries like IAI to plan for growth and secure long-term orders. He argued that Israel must reclaim and control critical manufacturing capabilities previously outsourced abroad, asserting that 'Made in Israel' is not just a slogan but a strategic necessity for national security, ensuring the country is not dependent on others in times of crisis.
