Global Presence

IAI and the Security of Israel

IAI and the Security of Israel

Established in 1953 as Bedek Aviation Company – a governmental institute for aviation – Israel Aerospace Industries started out as an all-purpose service and supplies provider, specializing in air defence solutions. In the decades since, the company has grown to become a world leader in both the defence and commercial markets, developing, producing and delivering state-of-the-art technologies and systems across a range of domains, including air, land, sea, space, cyber, homeland security and ISR.

“Our political independence depends on our military independence, and our military independence depends largely on our ability to manufacture the equipment we need ourselves. We must strive to ensure that whatever can be produced at home – is produced at home.”

  1. Early Years
  2. 60's
  3. 70's
  4. 80's
  5. 90's
  6. 00's
  7. 10's
  8. 20's

Early Years

1953
IAI is established as the Governmental Institute for Aviation, or Bedek Aviation Company. Its focus is on aircraft maintenance and overhaul.
Black and white photo of a vintage Euravia passenger airplane parked on an airfield, with another Interocean aircraft nearby and people walking on the tarmac.
1955
Bedek is accredited by the Civil Aviation Authorities in Israel and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an authorized repair station.
A group of men in suits walk together outdoors in a black-and-white photo; a few soldiers or officials stand in the background near a building or vehicle.
1959
IAI begins to move from purely service, to design and manufacture of aircraft and advanced land and seaborne systems.
Four vintage commercial airplanes are parked side by side on an airport tarmac, with their tails aligned. The planes have Skydream 701 markings and trees can be seen in the background.

60's

1964
IAI develops its first missile, the Gabriel, for sea-to-sea applications. Upgraded over the years, it is still in service with navies around the world.
A black and white photo of a missile being launched over the ocean, leaving a trail of smoke behind, with part of a ship visible in the bottom right corner.
1967
ELTA Electronics Industries Ltd. is established as wholly-owned subsidiary of IAI. It later evolved into ELTA systems Ltd., which is today one of Israel’s major defence electronics companies, specializing in a range of fields.
Black and white photo of a busy electronics workshop, with several men in work coats seated at benches, assembling or testing electronic equipment surrounded by various technical instruments.
1968
IAI enters the business jet market, purchasing the rights to the 1121 Jet Commander from North America Rockwell. The Jet Commander became the cornerstone of the Israeli aircraft manufacturing industry and remained in production for 20 years.
Black and white photo of a small jet airplane parked on a runway, with a large hangar and other airport structures visible in the background.
1969
The Arava - the first indigenous aircraft to be fully designed, manufactured and licensed in Israel - takes flight. 103 of these aircraft were produced before production ended in 1988. It is still in operation in some countries.
A twin-engine, high-wing aircraft with the number 51 on its nose is flying low above an industrial area. The registration 4X-IAA is visible on the tail. The image is in black and white.

70's

1970
The first fighter aircraft manufactured in Israel, the Nesher, takes flight. Of the 61 built, five of these aircraft are still in operation by the South African Air Force.
A military jet with desert camouflage and an Israeli Air Force insignia takes off from a runway against a clear blue sky.
1972
Golan Industries is established as a division of IAI. Today, it specializes in the manufacture of crashworthy seating for aviation and military vehicles.
Two workers in white coveralls stand on a staircase, inspecting and working on the underside of a large aircraft inside a hangar. The aircraft’s round windows are visible in the background.
1975
Israel’s first home-grown fighter bomber, the Kfir, developed and manufactured by IAI, enters service with the Israeli Air Force. Over 220 of this aircraft were manufactured, many of them still in operation by the Colombian Air Force and Sri Lanka Air Force.
A large aircraft assembly plant with several jet fighters under construction, workers and equipment spread throughout the spacious, high-ceilinged facility, and bright lighting overhead.
1979
IAI’s first operational small unmanned aircraft, the Scout, enters air force service, remaining in operation until the early 1990s.
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with tan and brown camouflage flies against a partly cloudy sky. The drone has a boxy fuselage, straight wings, and a rear-mounted propeller. The number 610 is visible on its side.

80's

1986
IAI’s Lavi attack aircraft successfully completes its maiden flight. Only three complete prototypes were built before the Israeli Government voted to discontinue development due to concerns over costs. Nevertheless, the project illustrated the advanced capabilities of IAI, and many of the aircraft’s components went on to be made commercially available. Furthermore, much of the technical knowhow accumulated during the development of the Lavi contributed to the achievement of Israel’s first launch of a satellite into space in 1988.
A white and gray jet fighter aircraft with a tandem cockpit is flying above the clouds against a clear blue sky.
1988
Israel’s first reconnaissance satellite, the Ofek 1, is launched by an Israeli launcher, the Shavit, making Israel the eighth nation to achieve an indigenous launch. Since then, a total of 11 Ofek satellites have been produced and launched, the most recent one in 2016.
A rocket ascends into a clear blue sky, leaving a thick white trail of smoke behind it.

90's

1990
The first in a family of anti-ballistic missiles, the Arrow 1, is tested. Since then the Arrow has been upgraded and revamped, with the Arrow 3 being declared operational in 2017.
A rocket launches into the dark sky, leaving behind a bright, fiery trail of exhaust and smoke.
1991
The Barak, a naval vessels defence system, is tested. The surface-to-air missile system is currently operated by Chile, India, Israel and Singapore.
A warship at sea launches a missile vertically, creating a tall white smoke trail against a clear blue sky.
1994
The Heron medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle completes its first flight. Capable of operations of up to 45 hours duration, at up to 30,000 ft, the Heron is currently serving over 20 global leading customers in a wide range of mission types.
A large military drone flies above a city and landscape, featuring a long wingspan, twin tail booms, and a distinctive rounded nose, with visible markings on its body.
1994
IAI makes the first delivery of its airborne early warning and control (AEW) system, to the Chilean Air Force.
A white and blue jet aircraft with large engines flies against a cloudy sky. The airplane has a distinctive radar dome on top and a U.S. registration number N872D on the tail.
1995
IAI develops the Green Pine, the first Israeli radar for detection of long-range missiles and an integral part of the Arrow system. Advanced versions of the Green Pine have been exported to India and South Korea.
Large white military radar system mounted on a beige trailer sits on grassy terrain under a clear blue sky.
1996
IAI’s cutting-edge high-speed patrol boat, the Super Dvora, goes into commission with the Israeli Navy. Since then, several class variants have been produced, all of them fast, agile, and designed to attain and sustain high operating tempos.
A military patrol boat speeds through the ocean, creating a large wake behind it. Several crew members are visible on deck, and the vessel is marked with the number 828.
1996
Israel’s first communications satellite, the AMOS 1, is launched into space. Controlled from a Ground Control Station designed, built, maintained and operated by IAI, it has well exceeded its planned mission duration of 12 years.
A rocket labeled ESA ariane launches at night, emitting bright yellow flames and smoke from its base. The scene is dark, with the rocket and launch structure illuminated by the launch light.

00's

2000
IAI’s Arrow 2 becomes the world's first operational defence system against aerial missiles.
A rocket launches vertically into a clear blue sky, emitting bright flames and smoke from its engines at the base, with debris scattered around the launch pad.
2005
The G150 midsize business jet model is certified by the FAA. 120 units were built before production ceased in 2017.
A white private jet with the registration 4X-TRA flies over a coastal city, with the ocean on one side and urban buildings below, under a partly cloudy sky.
2006
The first successful flight is completed of the largest indigenous unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, the Eitan, also known as the Heron TP.
A gray military drone with a blue Star of David emblem on the side is flying above a grassy field, with trees and buildings blurred in the distant background.

10's

2010
The first flight of the latest business jet model, the G280, built by IAI under license for Gulfstream Aerospace, takes place. The twin-engine jet received full certification from the Civil Aviation Authorities in Israel and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in September 2012.
A white Gulfstream G280 private jet is flying through the sky with clouds in the background. The aircraft has G280 written on its tail.
2012
IAI’s ground-based multi mission radar (MMR) becomes fully operational. One of its main missions is as a firing control radar for various defence systems, including the Iron Dome.
A green military radar system is set up on a hill at dusk, with a vertical rectangular radar panel and equipment box. City lights and a winding road are visible in the background.
2015
The Barak 8 successfully completes its operational testing by the Indian Navy. The surface-to-air missile (SAM) is currently being used by Israel's navy, and by India's navy, air and land forces.
A missile launches vertically from a ground platform, producing a trail of smoke and fire against a partly cloudy sky.
2019
Beresheet, a co-development lunar lander of IAI and SpaceIL and the 1st commercial lunar mission, situated Israel as the 4th country to attempt landing and the 7th country that managed to orbit the moon. Beresheet is also the 1st non-government mission to the moon, the 1st ride share to the moon and the smallest spacecraft to aim and reach the moon.
Gold foil from a spacecraft with an Israeli flag and the words Small Country, Big Dreams in English and Hebrew, set against the cratered surface of the Moon in the background.

20's

2021
Acquiring the manufacturing rights of the Z-MAG off-road vehicle family, IAI began producing the Israeli-developed vehicle at its production line in Beer Sheba, these unique vehicles are destined for Israel’s special operations units and export.
A rugged, tan off-road vehicle with large tires drives through sandy terrain, kicking up dust. The vehicle has four doors and an open cargo bed, with a desert landscape in the background.
2022
Following the extensive integration of weapon systems on Israel’s Navy SAAR-6 corvettes, BARAK LRAD, part of the BARAK MX family of weapons, was launched from Israel’s Navy SAAR 6 corvette, INS OZ. Apart from its ship defence role, The BARAK air defence system is part of Israel’s multi-layered air and missile defence system.
A missile is launching vertically into a clear blue sky, with flames and smoke visible at its base as it rises from a multi-barrel launcher.
2023
The first B-777 converted to the B777-300ERSF, known as ‘The Big Twin,’ is the largest twin-engine freighter upon its service entry following the conclusion of the certification process. The aircraft made its first flight this year. It is the first passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversion program of the B777-300ER, able to carry 100 tons of cargo payload.
A large white airplane with AERCAP CARGO and BIG TWIN written on the side flies in a blue sky. Part of the fuselage near the aft section is painted green.
2023
Israel’s third Radar Observation Satellite system enters service after a successful launch by the IAI Shavit launcher. Based on the TecSAR family, OFEQ-13 offers the most advanced radar observation capabilities, providing imagery during the day, at night, enabling intelligence collection in any weather and visibility conditions, thus enhancing strategic intelligence.
A white rocket launches vertically into the night sky, surrounded by bright flames and clouds of smoke at its base. The rocket is illuminated against a dark background.
2024
IAI's Arrow 2&3 systems were able to accurately intercept the incoming long-range ballistic missile barrage from Iran in the night of April 13th. IAI's radar and intelligence-collecting systems used by all the IDF’s missile defence systems, enabled a wide-ranging and total systemic response to hundreds of aerial threats arriving from the east.
A rocket launches vertically into the sky with flames and smoke billowing from its base, set against a cloudy background.
2025
Successful Launch of Ofek 19 Observation Satellite
A rocket launches into the night sky, surrounded by clouds of smoke and bright flames at its base, illuminating the darkness around the launch site.
2025
Successful launch for Dror-1 – Israel's national Communication Satellite
A rocket stands upright on a launch pad at night, illuminated by bright lights, with support structures and visible vapor emanating from its side. A countdown timer reads T - 00:07:49 in the top left corner.

Have a question or need more details?
Our specialists are here to help you find the right solution

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
* I am aware that upon submission of my personal data it will be included in the databases of Israel Aerospace Industries
Ltd. in accordance with our privacy policy.

Get the Arrow 3 Brochure

Everything you need to know — one click away.

Have a question or need more details?
Our specialists are here to help you find the right solution

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
* I am aware that upon submission of my personal data it will be included in the databases of Israel Aerospace Industries
Ltd. in accordance with our privacy policy.

Solution Briefs — Product

Choose a document to download.

Smarter search starts here

Popular Searches