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Elbit Systems
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Elbit Systems

Israel's largest private defence electronics company; manufactures F-35I avionics, drones, and electronic warfare systems.

Elbit Systems is Israel's largest private defence electronics company, whose F-35I work was linked to a $34m Adir range-extension contract on 14 May.

Last refreshed: 1 October 2026 · Appears in 2 active topics

Key Question

What does a $34 million F-35I range-extension contract tell us about Israel's strike planning against Iran?

Timeline for Elbit Systems

#18 14 Sept

Mentioned in: Ondas buys fuze maker GATE for US$205m

Drones: Industry & Defence
#18 4 Sept

Dutch buy six Elisra drone interceptors

Drones: Industry & Defence
#11 1 Jun

Mentioned in: Zelensky plans 10 EU arms export offices

Drones: Industry & Defence
#99 14 May

Mentioned in: Elbit wins $34m F-35I range extension

Iran Conflict 2026
#8 9 May

Mentioned in: Helsing closes $18bn round, led by Dragoneer

Drones: Industry & Defence
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Background

Elbit Systems is a Haifa-based Israeli defence electronics company. It develops avionics, unmanned aircraft systems, electro-optics, electronic warfare equipment and ground systems for Israeli and export customers. Its F-35I Adir integration work places it within Israel's combat-aircraft supply chain.

The company operates as a commercial defence manufacturer rather than a state-owned Israeli prime. Its Elisra electronic-warfare Arm also supplies counter-drone equipment, including interceptor drones bought by the Netherlands in September.

Elbit matters because it links Israel's domestic defence-industrial base to export markets for aircraft systems, drones and electronic warfare. The F-35I contract reported on 14 May shows how that industrial role can support changes to Israeli operational capability.

Common Questions
What is Elbit Systems and what does it make?
Elbit Systems is Israel's largest private defence electronics company, traded on TASE and Nasdaq. It designs and manufactures F-35I avionics, the Hermes family of drones (including the Hermes 900), electronic warfare systems, the Iron Vision helmet-mounted display, and the Torch-X battlefield management platform. It is the primary avionics integrator for Israel's F-35I Adir variant.Source: entity background
What F-35I contract did Elbit Systems receive in May 2026?
On 14 May 2026, Defense News reported Elbit Systems received a $34 million contract to extend the operational range of the F-35I Adir, with the active conflict with Iran cited as the explicit rationale. The contract signals Israel is preparing for longer-range strike options beyond the current Adir combat radius.Source: entity background
Is Elbit Systems a government-owned company?
No. Unlike state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems is a fully private commercial enterprise traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE: ESLT) and Nasdaq (ESLT). It competes for international contracts alongside its domestic IDF role.Source: entity background
Does Elbit Systems sell drones to Ukraine?
Yes. Ukrainian operators have used Elbit's Hermes-series unmanned aerial vehicles in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Hermes family — including the Hermes 900 and Hermes 450 — is exported to at least 20 countries, making Elbit a recurring presence across Lowdown's defence and conflict topics.Source: entity background
Source Material
Elbit Systems — Official WebsiteElbit Systems — Wikipedia