DNA TV Show: Europe’s Deep Defense Ties with Israel

Swift Summary:

• Israel has shifted from being a buyer of European weapons to becoming Europe’s largest arms supplier.
• In 2024,54% of Europe’s weapon imports where sourced from Israel,up from 35% in 2023 and 29% in 2022,showing a sharp increase in Israeli exports within three years.
• Israeli arms exports to Europe include a wide variety of weapons:

– Germany acquired ARROW missiles.
– Spain purchased torpedoes and missiles.
– The Netherlands obtained automatic machine guns.- Ireland received combat and reconnaissance drones.
– Cyprus is negotiating for Merkava tanks.

• Globally, Israel’s defense export distribution includes:

– Europe (54%).
– Indo-Pacific nations (23%).
– Arab countries (12%), facilitated by post-Abraham Accords relations.
– North America (9%).
– Latin America and Africa each receive just 1%.

• Israeli weapons exported range across categories such as air defence systems, drones, machine guns, missiles, and advanced tanks.

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indian Opinion Analysis:

The notable surge in demand for Israeli weapons reflects strategic shifts in global defence dependencies driven by geopolitical dynamics. For Europe specifically-relying on Israel for over half its weapon imports-it signals significant security concerns amid regional uncertainties like the Ukraine conflict and rising global tensions.

For India, this development highlights the growing clout of countries that prioritize innovation-heavy defence capabilities-a status to which India itself aspires under “Make in India” initiatives focused on bolstering indigenous manufacturing within aerospace and military sectors. Furthermore, India’s own considerable purchase agreements with israel underscore the common trust placed on tried-and-tested Israeli technology ranging across drones to missile systems.

India may also draw lessons from how nations like Israel have leveraged diplomatic breakthroughs with former adversaries-such as Arab states through the Abraham Accords-to expand their economic opportunities internationally while safeguarding national interests.