Israeli Defense Firms Target U.S. Market at Major Washington Expo
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
More than 20 Israeli defense companies exhibited at the AUSA 2026 expo in Washington, seeking to expand their U.S. market share following a record $19.2 billion in military exports in 2025. Innovations included systems for intercepting hypersonic missiles and drones, and advanced loitering munitions. The push coincides with potential U.S. defense budget increases and aims to tap into a market currently smaller than Europe for Israeli arms. Protests against the Gaza conflict occurred during the event, but Israeli firms reportedly received a positive reception.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Over 20 Israeli defense firms showcased innovations at the AUSA 2026 expo in Washington.
- Israeli military exports hit a record $19.2 billion in 2025, with the U.S. market showing growth potential.
- New technologies displayed included systems for hypersonic missile and drone interception.
- The U.S. defense budget is projected to increase significantly by 2027.
- Protests against the Gaza conflict occurred during the expo.
- Israeli companies reportedly received a positive reception in Washington.
Over 20 Israeli defense companies showcased their latest innovations at the AUSA 2026 exhibition in Washington this week, North America's largest land forces event. This push follows a record year for Israeli military exports, which reached $19.2 billion in 2025. Israeli manufacturers are aiming to expand their presence in the U.S. market, particularly with plans by Donald Trump to increase the U.S. defense budget to $1.5 trillion by 2027.
Israel was one of nine countries with a national pavilion at the expo, alongside France, Germany, and South Korea. The Israeli pavilion, overseen by the Ministry of Defense, featured 19 companies, while major firms like Rafael, Elbit Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) had their own dedicated display areas. Among the innovations presented was Rafael's Sky Sonic system, designed to intercept hypersonic missiles, which travel at over five times the speed of sound and are difficult to intercept due to their maneuverability. IAI displayed its HawkGuard drone defense system, which integrates radar, AI, and interceptors to counter multiple threats simultaneously. Another notable exhibit was the FIRE STORM 250, a remotely controlled drone with a machine gun developed with SIG SAUER, capable of three hours of flight time, with firing decisions remaining under human control.
Elbit Systems unveiled an upgraded version of its SkyStriker loitering munition with extended range and a larger warhead. Israeli companies are also highlighting technologies for emerging battlefield threats, including drone neutralization systems using nets, GPS jamming solutions, AI-powered night vision, and hybrid engines for drones. This commercial drive comes as Europe accounted for 36% of Israeli military exports in 2025, compared to only 13% for North America, indicating significant growth potential in the U.S. market.
Despite the business focus, the Israeli presence was met with anti-war protests. Six activists interrupted a speech by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, denouncing the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories. Security removed the protesters, allowing the conference to resume. Nevertheless, Israeli manufacturers reportedly received a positive reception in Washington, contrasting with difficulties faced at some European exhibitions due to boycott calls.
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