Israel Launches Production Lines for Smart Bombs to Boost Defense Independence

Israel's defense establishment and defense industries are set to develop new production lines for precision munitions and J-DAM smart bombs for the Israeli Air Force, according to a report by N12 on Wednesday. This initiative aims to strengthen Israel's weapons manufacturing independence and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, and the possibility of imminent Israeli military action.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved an immediate transfer of 15 billion shekels, with an additional 25 billion shekels planned by the end of the year to support military procurement. However, the Defense Ministry claims that the Finance Ministry is withholding the full approved funds, warning that such delays could cause Israel to lose a critical year of military buildup. The Defense Ministry also criticized the Finance Ministry's approach, describing it as underfunding the defense sector and then criticizing its management.

Despite the budgetary dispute, the Defense Ministry has decided to proceed with establishing the new production lines while continuing to negotiate with the Finance Ministry. Alongside the production of smart bombs for the Air Force, Israel is also expanding production lines for the Arrow missile defense system interceptors.