Israeli Defense Firms Secure Major Arms Deals with Argentina and Sweden
Israeli defense industries continue to expand their global footprint with significant new contracts. IWI, a private Israeli firearms manufacturer, has finalized a deal to supply approximately 1,000 rifles to the Argentine military, navy, and air force. These rifles, from the Arad series (calibers 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm), represent a major upgrade for Argentina, which currently relies on older FAL rifles. The deal followed initial talks in 2024 and a delegation visit to Israel in early 2025 to inspect the weapons. IWI is part of SK Group, owned by Sami Ketzeb, who acquired it in 2005 during the privatization of Israel's Magen factory.
Meanwhile, Sweden has signed a framework agreement worth about $412 million with Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND), a German subsidiary of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The contract, extending through 2033, covers the supply and training for the Scorpion 2 mine-laying system, capable of deploying up to 400 mines over 2,000 meters in under ten minutes. Sweden is the third EU and NATO country to acquire this system, following Latvia and Denmark. DND recently gained attention for its potential involvement in Rafael's plans to acquire a Volkswagen factory, enabling Rafael to conduct European deals without direct Israeli branding. In 2023, DND supplied 80 Hydron drones to Ukraine for intelligence gathering.
Separately, Turkey is advancing a spaceport project in Somalia, aiming to enhance its satellite launch capabilities, including reconnaissance satellites capable of imaging any location on Earth, including Israel. The project involves Turkey's Ministry of Industry and Technology, the Turkish Space Agency, and other national institutions, highlighting its strategic and economic importance. Globally, the commercial space launch market is booming, valued at $600 billion in 2024 and expected to reach $1.8 trillion by the mid-2030s. Israel Aerospace Industries leads Israel's space efforts, having launched its first satellite in 1988 and recently deploying the "Dror 1" communications satellite.
These developments underscore Israel's growing role in international defense and space technology markets, with ongoing collaborations and sales across Latin America, Europe, and beyond.
