Elbit lands $120 million drone deal amid growing pressure on Israel’s defense exports
The Hermes 900 sale highlights the paradox of Israel’s defense industry, where global demand persists even as European governments suspend contracts.
Elbit Systems has secured a $120 million contract to supply its Hermes 900 unmanned aerial system (UAS) for long-range maritime surveillance to an undisclosed international customer, even as Israel’s defense industry faces mounting headwinds in Europe.
The deal, announced Monday, underscores the uneven trajectory of Israel’s arms exports: while some contracts move forward, others have collapsed under political pressure linked to the war in Gaza.
The Hermes 900 is Elbit’s largest unmanned aircraft, a medium-altitude, long-endurance platform capable of carrying out intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance missions across land and sea. First ordered in 2011, the system has since been acquired by more than 20 customers worldwide.
Yoram Shmuely, General Manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace, said the order reflected “the trust our customers place in our solutions and our commitment to delivering operational superiority.” He added that the continued demand for the Hermes 900 “underscores our technological edge and operational experience in supporting complex missions.”
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Over recent weeks, Spain’s government canceled several major deals with Israeli manufacturers, citing the ongoing conflict. Cancellations have totaled roughly €600 million across Rafael and Elbit Systems, including a €700 million PULS rocket system deal and a €200 million contract for Rafael’s Litening 5 targeting pods.
Industry executives warn of a “dangerous spiral” of suspensions by governments seeking to pressure Israel diplomatically. At the same time, new deals like the Hermes 900 sale illustrate that global demand for Israel’s advanced defense technology remains strong, particularly in unmanned systems where the country has carved out a leading position.
