ISRAEL AT WAR
Ministry of Defense acquires $25 million-worth of ceramic armor, rifles, and scopes for IDF ground forces
Over 100,000 ceramic armor vests have been purchased, as well as M4 carbines weapons intended for reserve units located in border towns around the Gaza Strip and Israel’s northern border
Against the backdrop of reports and complaints from IDF soldiers regarding the lack of combat equipment following the extensive mobilization of reserves for the war in Gaza, the Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday that it has initiated the procurement of combat equipment, including ceramic armor, rifles, and scopes, at a cost exceeding NIS 100 million (approximately $25 million).
As part of 11 recent transactions led by the Ministry of Defense, over 100,000 ceramic armor vests were purchased from companies in Israel and abroad that meet the standards set by the IDF's ground forces and have been found to be resistant to ballistic tests performed before their distribution to various units.
Additionally, a rapid procurement process was ordered by the Director General of the office, Major General (ret.) Eyal Zamir, for M4 carbine weapons intended for reserve units located in border towns around the Gaza Strip and Israel’s northern border. The Ministry of Defense announced that rifle deliveries will commence in the coming days to bolster reserve units nationwide and enhance their response capabilities.
In addition to the M-4 rifles, the Ministry of Defense also acquired Arad-type assault rifles from IWI and scopes from its subsidiary company Meprolight. This equipment is intended for IDF units and reserve units.
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The Ministry of Defense also noted that alongside the gun procurement, approximately NIS 13 million was allocated to deploying essential security components in threatened communities.
Military officials acknowledged on Tuesday that equipment shortages for soldiers exist and efforts are underway to address them promptly. This comes after initial claims that there were no equipment shortages. Reports of equipment shortages prompted citizens to initiate centralized procurement efforts for military gear, particularly vests. Thousands of vests purchased through these initiatives were found to be defective, failing ballistic tests.
