Israel is set to buy tens of thousands of 155mm artillery shells from the domestic defense company Elbit Systems in a deal worth about $48 million.
The Israeli military is working hard to replenish and expand its ammunition supplies amid a growing multi-front war. This deal shows the huge demand for artillery munitions that modern, high-intensity conflict creates.
The 155mm shells are the standard size for heavy field artillery and are some of the most commonly used munitions in long-term ground and fire-support operations. As Israel carries out ongoing bombing campaigns in Iran and Lebanon while also conducting ground operations in Lebanon, the demand for this large-caliber artillery ammunition has sharply increased.
Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest publicly traded defense company, has been one of the main winners of the current conflict. The company makes a wide variety of ammunition, artillery systems, and precision-guided munitions, and its order book has grown significantly since fighting began.
The $48 million contract reflects the scale of Israel’s current military activity and its planning for a conflict that shows no signs of ending soon. The procurement also emphasizes a broader goal for Israel: reducing reliance on foreign ammunition suppliers, especially the United States. Increasing political scrutiny at home has raised questions about unrestricted arms transfers. By purchasing large amounts of munitions from Elbit, Israel ensures a steady supply, regardless of changes in U.S. politics.
Artillery shells of this size have been in critically short supply in various global conflict zones in recent years. Manufacturers around the world have struggled to ramp up production quickly enough to keep up with wartime demand. This contract indicates that Israel is preparing for a long-term conflict and stocking up accordingly.