Israel's battle‑tested tech sees demand in Asia | The Jerusalem Post
AI Analysis
Israeli defense companies are increasingly targeting Asian markets due to political constraints in Europe, showcasing advanced technologies like UAVs and counter-UAV systems at the Singapore Airshow. This strategic pivot is driven by a high demand for battle-proven systems in Asia.
Key Takeaways
- Israel is shifting focus to Asian defense markets due to political constraints in Europe.
- Israeli companies showcased advanced defense technologies at the Singapore Airshow.
- Key technologies include UAVs, missile defense, and counter-UAV systems.
- The shift is partly due to international backlash over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- Israeli defense firms are forming more joint R&D and long-term partnerships in Asia.
Why It Matters
This strategic pivot to Asian markets allows Israeli defense companies to maintain and potentially increase their sales despite political challenges in Europe. The demand for proven military technologies in Asia provides a significant opportunity for Israel to expand its influence and partnerships in the region.
Israel’s battle‑tested tech sees demand in Asia | The Jerusalem Post
Israel’s battle‑tested tech sees demand in Asia amid tensions with China - analysis
Israel’s strong presence at the Singapore Airshow highlights a shift toward Asian defense markets as demand for battle‑tested technology rises
![Rafael Advanced Defense Systems at the 2024 Singapore Airshow] Rafael Advanced Defense Systems at the 2024 Singapore Airshow (photo credit:GETTY IMAGES) By[ANNA AHRONHEIM] FEBRUARY 10, 2026 09:27 Updated:FEBRUARY 10, 2026 14:18 The Singapore Airshow came to a close on Sunday, with Israeli platforms having played a central role in the show. The exhibition showcased how Israel’s defense industry is rewiring its export map, and starting to look towards Asia as a strategic anchor. Though the shift is not absolute, with Europe still Israel’s[main market,] there are more Asian customers, more joint research and development (R&D), and more long‑term industrial partnerships, especially as traditional Western markets become more politically constrained after the Israel-Hamas War. Several European states have paused –or have started scrutinizing –arms deals over concerns over their use in Gaza, leading Israeli firms and officials to lean harder into Asian markets where political conditionality is often lower and demand for battle‑proven systems is[high]. The Israeli delegation, led by SIBAT, included 11 Israeli defense companies showcasing a wide range of advanced, operationally proven technologies, including unmanned aerial systems (UAVs), missile defense systems, electro-optical systems, cyber systems, and AI-based robotics, counter-UAV systems, and more. Israeli companies that participated were Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Aeronautics, BIRD Aerosystems, CONTROP, Orbit Communication Systems, Skylock Systems, TOMER, UVision Air, and XTEND Systems. ![Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram at the Israeli pavilion at the Singapore airshow, February 2026] Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram at the Israeli pavilion at the Singapore airshow, February 2026 (credit: IMoD) IMOD Director General, Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amir Baram said that Israel's participation in the Air Show was part of the Defense Ministry's strategy to increase defense exports and support Israeli defense manufacturing. Despite its reputation for cutting-edge military technology and battlefield-tested systems, Israel’s defense industry has been facing a paradox of record-breaking sales amid rising international backlash. While the two-year-long war in Gaza triggered diplomatic fallout that threatened many deals, it also fueled demand for Israeli weapons proven on the battlefield. The Israeli national pavilion served as a platform to promote the country’s defense cooperation and strengthen Israel's presence