The Defense Ministry has moved forward with a sweeping set of reforms designed to expand and streamline defense exports.
Following a directive from Defense Minister Israel Katz, the ministry’s director-general Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amir Baram has approved the recommendations of a high-level committee tasked with strengthening the defense export framework.
Officials say this will bolster the industry at a time of growing global demand for Israeli technologies.
The reforms include a simplified licensing process that will allow single-stage approvals for most unclassified products, alongside a significant expansion of the list of countries exempt from marketing license requirements.
In addition, the committee recommended extending exemptions to confidential-level products for select countries, pending legislative changes.
Oversight will also be reinforced through the establishment of a centralized Defense Ministry committee to manage the registration of technological products within defined time frames. In contrast, advisory committees will meet more frequently to accelerate license processing.
Enforcement mechanisms are to be strengthened to ensure compliance and maintain Israel’s commitment to responsible, secure defense exports.
The Strengthening and Expanding Defense Exports Committee was chaired by former Defense Ministry director-general Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Udi Shani.
It included senior representatives from the Defense Exports Control Agency (DECA), IDF, defense industries, Foreign Ministry, and the Defense Ministry itself. The group examined existing export procedures and oversight mechanisms, and the evolving challenges of the global defense market, before submitting its recommendations.
Growing global defense industry
The need to simplify export restrictions has become increasingly urgent as the global defense industry grows more competitive.
Countries across the globe are investing heavily in advanced military technologies, and Israel’s defense sector, renowned for its innovation, must adapt quickly to maintain its edge.
Israeli platforms, many of which have been tested in combat in Gaza and across the Middle East, are seen as particularly attractive to international buyers seeking proven systems with operational credibility. Streamlining export procedures is therefore considered essential to enabling Israeli companies to seize opportunities in this expanding market.
According to officials, the initiative is intended not only to ease bureaucratic hurdles but also to enhance Israel’s force buildup capabilities during a challenging budgetary period, while generating new revenue streams for the defense budget.
Baram praised the committee’s work, describing its recommendations as professional and comprehensive, and noted that they were completed in a short time frame. The proposals will now be submitted to Katz for final approval, marking a significant step in Israel’s strategy to expand its defense exports and reinforce its position in the global defense industry.
The ministry expects implementation to begin in 2026.