Israel Aerospace Industries Chairman Highlights Space as Future Warfront and Defense Independence

Boaz Levy, chairman of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), spoke at Channel 14's security conference about the strategic and technological peak of Israel's defense industry. Levy, who previously served as IAI CEO and was instrumental in developing the Arrow missile defense system, emphasized the significance of the recent Arrow 3 sale to Germany. He stated that supplying a technologically advanced country like Germany with missile defense is a point of pride and clarified that the deal did not diminish Israel's own defense capabilities. Instead, it expanded production lines and ensured timely delivery of interceptors to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Levy addressed Israel's goal of achieving defense self-sufficiency within the next decade, highlighting that it requires substantial investment in both infrastructure and human capital. He noted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on Israeli engineering and stressed the importance of developing alternatives to imported raw materials and components, especially from the United States. Levy also remarked that past embargoes have ultimately strengthened Israel's defense industry.

A major focus of the interview was IAI's growing role in space. Levy revealed that the company launched two to three satellites last year, including observation and communication satellites developed by Israel's top experts. He asserted that future wars will not only originate from space but will be controlled from there, citing real-time satellite reconnaissance data being transmitted directly to pilots and tank commanders on the battlefield. Levy concluded by reflecting on Israel's technological advancements since the peace agreements with Egypt, affirming the country's leading global position and continuous innovation to counter emerging threats.