The Israel Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense have initiated the implementation of a $5.2 billion special emergency aid package aimed at bolstering Israel’s air defense systems. The agreement was finalized through an exchange of letters between Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense, and William LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
This significant aid will enhance and expand Israel’s Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the emerging ‘Iron Beam’ laser defense system, providing critical support to Israel’s missile defense capabilities. The collaboration between the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), the Research and Development Department at Israel’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), and their U.S. counterparts played a central role in formulating this strategic package. The Ministry’s Policy and POL-MIL Bureau, Finance Department, and General Counsel also contributed to the discussions.
The $5.2 billion air defense funding is part of a larger $8.7 billion U.S. aid package approved by the American administration and Congress following the escalation of conflict in October 2023. Of the total aid, $3.5 billion will be allocated to the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Procurement Mission in the U.S. for critical purchases for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), while the remaining $5.2 billion is dedicated to air defense capabilities.
In a photo accompanying the announcement, the heads of Israel’s defense departments, including Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold and Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, stand with other senior officials to mark this important step in defense cooperation between the two nations.–News Desk