Elbit Systems Plans to Hire 2,000 More Workers Amid Global Defense Expansion

Elbit Systems, a leading Israeli defense electronics company, is significantly expanding its production and development capabilities both in Israel and globally. The company's president and CEO, Bezaleel (Buzzy) Machlis, announced this move in response to global shifts in the defense market and lessons learned from recent conflicts. Machlis emphasized that the prolonged duration of wars and the extensive use of munitions require a new industrial approach with unprecedented production rates.

As part of enhancing Israel's manufacturing independence, Elbit is boosting local production capacities, including at its site in Ramat Beqa, aiming to increase ammunition output and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Over the past year, the company has hired approximately 2,000 new employees and plans to recruit an additional 2,000 by 2026 to meet development and supply demands domestically and internationally.

Machlis highlighted the urgent need to develop advanced solutions against drone threats and loitering munitions, noting extensive collaboration with the Ministry of Defense, the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (Mafat), and various large and small defense industries. Directed energy weapons are expected to become a key response to drone swarms in the coming years. He also pointed out the growing integration of AI, autonomy, and robotics in defense systems, driven by insights from the Ukraine war.

Regarding the international market, Machlis stated there is strong demand for Israeli products, especially in Europe, where many countries are striving to enhance their defense autonomy and seek advanced technologies in autonomy, munitions, communications, and AI. Addressing concerns about the controversy over Israeli companies' participation in the Eurosatory defense exhibition last year, Machlis said the exposure Elbit gained there was greater than any marketing campaign they could have done.

Machlis also spoke about the rise in Jewish immigration to Israel and their integration into the defense industry, calling it a tremendous opportunity for the country. He shared that during the recent Eurosatory exhibition, Jewish workers from European defense industries approached him expressing their desire to move to Israel and join Elbit. The company is proactively recruiting Jewish talent from abroad and wounded IDF veterans, working with the Jewish Agency to bring skilled personnel to Israel and strengthen the nation's technological base.