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Elbit Systems

From Alfawiki
Elbit Systems Ltd.
Company typePublic
IndustryDefense technology
Founded1966
FounderElron Electronic Industries and Israel's Ministry of Defense
Headquarters
Israel
,
Israel
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Michael Federmann (chairman)
ProductsMilitary solutions, land-based military equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles, electro-optical devices, electronic warfare tools, signal intelligence equipment, communication solutions
Number of employees
18,407 (2022)

Elbit Systems Ltd. is a global defense technology firm headquartered in Israel, specializing in military solutions and contracting. Established in 1966 by Elron, it serves as the chief supplier of land-based military equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles to the Israeli military, significantly contributing to Israel's defense sector.

The corporation maintains manufacturing subsidiaries across multiple countries and provides military equipment to various nations. Its production sites in the United Kingdom and the United States have been targets of demonstrations due to its support of the Israeli armed forces amid the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict. This association has led several international investment funds to withdraw their holdings in Elbit Systems.

By 2022, the workforce at Elbit Systems numbered 18,407 employees, predominantly based in Israel. A 2025 investor briefing indicated a global headcount close to 20,000, including around 3,200 personnel stationed in the United States. The company’s stock is publicly traded on both the Tel Aviv and Nasdaq markets.

History

In 1966, Elbit Systems originated as 'Elbit Computers Ltd.', a joint initiative by Elron Electronic Industries and Israel's Ministry of Defense, focused on producing computers and electronic devices for military applications. Its inaugural product was the 'Elbit 100' Minicomputer, which also found use in civilian markets. In July 1970, Control Data Corporation, an American firm, purchased the Israeli government's stake in Elbit Computers for US$1 million, subsequently marketing its products internationally.

The company went public on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in 1978 and developed minicomputers such as the ANAT model through collaboration with Germany’s Nixdorf Computer. During the early 1980s, it redirected its efforts toward defense electronics, creating systems for platforms like the Lavi fighter jet and the Merkava tank. Following Control Data Corporation’s divestment, it rebranded as 'Elbit Ltd.'

In 1996, Elbit was divided into three separate entities: Elbit Medical Imaging, Elbit Systems, and Elbit. Between 1999 and 2000, imaging operations from Elscint and Elbit Medical Imaging were sold to General Electric Medical Systems and Picker. Elbit Systems emerged as the division specializing in defense electronics, while Elbit became part of the consortium that established Partner Communications Company in 1999.

The year 2000 saw a merger between Elbit Systems and El-Op—controlled by current chairman Michael Federmann—forming Israel’s largest privately held defense electronics enterprise. In 2004, Elron divested its shares for roughly $197 million. Following this consolidation, Elbit expanded by acquiring Elisra, assets from the Aircraft Systems Division of Israel Military Industries, and Mikal Ltd., along with increasing stakes in Soltam Systems, Saymar, and ITL Optronics.

Elbit reintegrated with Elron in 2002. In 2006, it purchased a 20% interest in Chip PC Technologies, a company developing client solutions for server-based computing environments. In 2016, Elbit introduced Everysight, a producer of augmented reality smartglasses designed for cyclists.

Also in 2016, The Intercept revealed that starting from 2008, intelligence agencies such as the US National Security Agency and UK’s GCHQ intercepted live video feeds from drones operated by Israeli forces over Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, and Lebanon.

In November 2018, Elbit finalized its acquisition of IMI Systems. By 2022, its global employee count reached 18,407 individuals, including approximately 3,675 based within the United States.

Ethical issues and divestment actions

On September 3, 2009, the ethical council of the Government Pension Fund of Norway decided to divest from Elbit due to the company’s provision of surveillance technology for the Israeli West Bank barrier. Norway’s Minister of Finance, Kristin Halvorsen, emphasized that the fund would refrain from supporting firms involved in breaches of international humanitarian law. Following this decision, the Israeli Foreign Ministry summoned Hans Jacob Biørn Lian, the Norwegian Ambassador to Israel, to formally express their objections.

In January 2010, Danske Bank removed Elbit from its Socially Responsible Investment portfolio, citing the company’s failure to meet international ethical standards. The Danish watchdog DanWatch subsequently placed Elbit on its ethical blacklist in 2011. By 2014, PKA Ltd, Denmark's principal pension fund manager, stopped considering investments in Elbit, referencing the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) judgment regarding the military use and human rights implications of the barrier.

A Swedish pension fund also implemented a boycott against Elbit in 2010 due to its role in constructing Israel’s West Bank barrier.

In December 2018, following Elbit’s acquisition of IMI Systems, HSBC divested from the company because IMI produces cluster munitions, which conflict with HSBC’s ethical guidelines.

In 2019, under pressure from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement and NGOs—including a petition signed by 140,000 people organized by SumOfUs—Axa partially withdrew its investments in Elbit. Although Axa quietly reduced its holdings, it still maintains indirect exposure through a minority stake in former subsidiary Alliance Bernstein.

An investigation by The Guardian disclosed collaboration between Elbit, the Israeli Embassy in London, and UK authorities concerning legal actions against Palestine Action activists starting April 2022. In 2024, the Crown Prosecution Service applied powers granted by the Terrorism Act to detain activists without formal charges.

Products

Elbit Systems along with its subsidiaries specializes in developing advanced technologies for military command, control, communications, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Their product range includes unmanned aerial systems (UAS), electro-optical devices, electronic warfare tools, signal intelligence (SIGINT) equipment, and communication solutions.


Manufacturing for Israeli defense

As Israel’s leading defense contractor, Elbit Systems provides approximately 85% of the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) ground equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles utilized by the Israeli Air Force. The company notes that its products have undergone extensive combat testing by the IDF in Gaza and the West Bank. Reports have linked Elbit drones to incidents resulting in civilian casualties. While Israel does not officially confirm drone operations in Gaza or other areas, a 2016 report indicated armed drones were used in lethal attacks.

In August 2019, Elbit secured a contract from Israel’s Ministry of Defense to equip the IDF’s new Eitan armored fighting vehicle and armored D9 bulldozers with the Iron Fist active protection system.

An Elbit Hermes 450 drone was involved in the attack on a World Central Kitchen aid convoy in 2024.

Azerbaijan

Israel provides Azerbaijan with sophisticated military hardware and assists in the training of its armed forces. In 2011, Elbit Systems established a local office in Azerbaijan with plans to develop a joint facility for producing UAVs. Reports from 2023 indicate that Elbit, alongside other Israeli defense companies, played a significant role in covertly supplying arms to Azerbaijan during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which subsequently led to allegations of Armenian genocide.

Australia

In April 2021, the Australian Army decided to discontinue the use of Elbit's battlefield management system as of May 15, citing security issues, including a purported backdoor vulnerability identified by the Australian Signals Directorate. The system had failed to meet two critical security benchmarks in 2020. Elbit rejected claims of any security flaws. Nevertheless, in 2024, the Australian Army awarded Elbit a contract valued at US$600 million.

Belgium

On July 1, 2003, Elbit expanded its electro-optic systems capabilities by acquiring Belgian firm OIP Sensor Systems through its subsidiary Elop Electro-Optics Industries Ltd.

Brazil

Elbit Systems entered the Brazilian defense market by acquiring Aeroeletronica in 2001. Further expansion occurred in January 2011 with the purchases of Ares Aeroespecial e Defesa and Periscopio Equipamentos Optronicos. Later that year, in April, Elbit’s subsidiary AEL Sistemas S.A. collaborated with Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer to introduce the Elbit Hermes 450 UAV into service with the Brazilian Air Force, marking a strategic move into Brazil’s unmanned aerial vehicle sector.

Canada

In May 2025, the Investigative Journalism Foundation revealed that Elbit Systems had proposed drone sales to Ontario aimed at managing forest fires, highlighting the company’s efforts to diversify into civilian sectors.

Colombia

A $28-million contract for Hermes 450 UAVs was suspended in March 2010 following bribery accusations. An investigation by the Israeli Ministry of Defense determined that these allegations originated from rival company Israel Aerospace Industries. This episode led to increased regulatory scrutiny concerning competition among Israeli defense contractors abroad.

Ethiopia

On December 6, 2017, the Citizen Lab reported that advanced commercial spyware sold and operated by Cyberbit—a subsidiary of Elbit Systems—was used to target Ethiopian dissidents and journalists overseas. Ronald Deibert, Citizen Lab’s director, raised concerns about Cyberbit’s human rights due diligence and controls to prevent misuse. Cyberbit acknowledged selling such technologies but denied responsibility for their improper application by clients, responding to inquiries from Human Rights Watch.

France

On June 19, 2011, Elisra Electronic Systems Ltd., an Elbit subsidiary, secured a contract worth roughly €5 million to supply several hundred AN/PRC-684 Personal Locator Beacon units to the French Ministry of Defense. These devices were distributed across the French Air Force, Army, Navy, and DGA (Direction Générale de l'Armement).

Germany

In 2020, Elbit Systems acquired the radio communications division formerly owned by Telefunken, renaming it Elbit Systems Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG. For Germany’s Bundeswehr, Elbit manufactures the E-LynX software-defined radio system along with night vision and thermal imaging equipment; it also produces DIRCM systems for the A400M, radar warning receivers, and electronic warfare controllers for the CH-53GS/GE helicopters. Throughout 2025, Elbit Germany encountered protests including an encampment in April, banner displays at the Ulm Minster in July, demonstrations in August demanding closure of its German facilities, and acts of vandalism in September.

Greece

In May 2021, a €1.375 billion deal was completed to create the International Flight Training Center at Kalamata Air Base in Greece. This 22-year public-private collaboration with Elbit Systems is designed to enhance and modernize pilot training capabilities within Greece.

Italy

On June 22, 2011, Elbit was awarded a three-year contract valued at US$15 million by Elettronica S.p.A. to provide the ELT/572 DIRCM system for multiple platforms of the Italian Air Force, including the C130J, C27J, and AW101 aircraft.

Japan

In March 2023, Elbit entered into a strategic alliance with Itochu Aviation and Nippon Aircraft Supply. However, in February 2024, Itochu terminated this partnership following guidance from Japan’s foreign ministry connected to an ICJ provisional ruling related to South Africa’s genocide case against Israel.

Philippines

Elbit secured its inaugural contract in the Philippines in June 2014 to upgrade armored personnel carriers (APCs) with 25-mm unmanned turrets, 12.7-mm remote-operated weapon stations, and fire control systems for 90-mm turrets. The following year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines received 114 M113 tracked APCs from the United States, equipped with remote weapon systems designed by Elbit.

On October 23, 2020, Elbit was awarded contracts to supply the Philippine Army with 18 Sabrah ASCOD Light Tanks, 10 Pandur II Tank Destroyers, one ASCOD 2 Armored Command Vehicle, one ASCOD recovery vehicle, and 28 Iveco VBTP-MR Guarani APCs as part of their light tank and APC acquisition programs.

Romania

Elbit Systems’ presence in Romania dates back to 1996 through its fully owned subsidiaries: Elbit Systeme S.A., A-E Electronics S.A., Elmet International SRL, and Simultec SRL, collectively employing approximately 400 personnel. On May 24, 2011, Elisra Electronic Systems Ltd., its Romanian branch, secured a four-year contract worth around $18.6 million to upgrade C-130 transport aircraft operated by the Romanian Air Force. This project was executed in partnership with local firms and led by the Romanian Aeronautical Industry.

Sweden

Elbit Systems established its Swedish subsidiary, Elbit Systems Sweden, on June 17, 2021. By January 13, 2022, it had been awarded a contract to deliver combat management systems for the Royal Swedish Navy. Subsequently, on January 24, 2023, Elbit Systems Sweden won a $48 million contract to supply mobile tactical communications stations to the Swedish Armed Forces. This agreement includes designing and providing two variants of Technical High Mobility Shelters (THMS): RL HYTT 24A and RL HYTT 24B.

United Kingdom

Elbit’s operations in the UK began in 1995 with the purchase of Alvis UAV Engines Limited from Alvis plc, a company founded in 1992 by engineer David Garside who specialized in adapting Wankel engines for UAV applications. Originally developed for motorcycles, these compact yet powerful engines were modified for UAV use. At acquisition time, Elbit’s subsidiary 'Silver Arrow' was Alvis UAV Engines’ sole major client; since then, it has grown into a leading global UAV engine supplier.

Incorporated in 2004 as 'Elbit Systems UK Ltd.', this holding company was established after Elbit and Thales Group won the "Watchkeeper program" contract to supply UAVs to the British Army. The agreement mandated local production facilities leading to the formation of a joint venture in 2005 named UAV Tactical Systems Ltd (U-TacS) with Thales. Based in Leicester, U-TacS manufactures the Watchkeeper WK450 with flight tests conducted at ParcAberporth, Wales.

In 2007, Elbit acquired Ferranti Technologies located in Oldham—a branch of the historic Ferranti group known for aerospace and defense solutions. Following the Gaza War in 2014, Ferranti faced protests over its production of military technologies used by the Israeli Air Force, including Hermes drones implicated in Palestinian casualties.

A joint venture between Elbit and Kellog, Brown and Root, Affinity Flying Services Limited secured an £500 million contract in 2016 to operate the UK Military Flight Training System (UKMFTS) for the Ministry of Defence over an eighteen-year period.

During the Israel–Palestine conflict of 2021, Palestine Action activists occupied Elbit’s drone manufacturing plant in Leicester for six days resulting in multiple arrests. Similar demonstrations targeted Elbit facilities across Bristol, Oldham (in cooperation with Extinction Rebellion), and Tamworth (with Animal Rebellion), focusing on Elbit’s role in defense manufacturing.

Elbit divested its Ferranti subsidiary in 2022 for £9 million—approximately £6 million less than its original acquisition price—with activists attributing this outcome partly to their direct action efforts.

In July 2023, Elbit inaugurated a state-of-the-art R&D and production center in Bristol. By that year, it operated sixteen sites across the UK employing over 680 staff members. Following renewed conflict in Gaza during October 2023, Palestine Action staged protests at several Elbit factories involving entrance blockades and rooftop occupations.

In early 2024, Elbit announced plans to sell its 'Elite KL' factory located in Tamworth. Later that year in September, Palestine Action targeted APCO Worldwide’s London office due to its representation of Elbit’s interests within the UK.

By late August 2025, Private Eye reported that Elbit was nearing finalization of a £2 billion Ministry of Defence contract spanning fifteen years aimed at training approximately 60,000 British soldiers annually.

United States

Elbit conducts its operations within the United States through its subsidiary, Elbit Systems of America (ESA), which operates autonomously under a special security agreement overseen by a proxy board. Incorporated in Delaware, ESA employed 3,675 personnel based in the US as of 2022.

In 2014, Elbit was awarded a $12.7 million contract to provide Apache Aviator Integrated Helmets for the US Army’s helicopter units. The acquisition of Universal Avionics Systems Corporation (UASC) was finalized by Elbit in 2018. Further expansion occurred in 2019 when Elbit purchased Harris Corporation’s night vision division for $350 million, a transaction contingent upon Harris’s merger with L3 Technologies. That same year, Elbit entered into a collaboration with DA-Group to develop and commercialize anti-jamming solutions for global navigation satellite systems.

During the Gaza conflict, Elbit’s office in Cambridge, Massachusetts became a center of protest activity. In October 2023, demonstrators chained themselves to the entrance, claiming to have halted operations, which led to several arrests. Continued demonstrations ultimately caused the office to close in August 2024. Additionally, in November 2023, three individuals were detained for vandalism at an Elbit facility located in Merrimack, New Hampshire; fire officials responded to reports of smoke and found lobby doors locked.

Prominent institutional investors such as BNY Mellon and JPMorgan Chase have been targeted by protests urging them to divest from Elbit Systems due to its defense contracts associated with Israel.

Locations

See also

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External links

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