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“2007-08: Israel Looks to Replenish Bomb Stocks” discussed the dilemma Israel faced, between buying systems that would support its own world-class defense industry, and using American aid money to buy somewhat comparable American weapons.
As an illustrative example, that $465 million request included over 2,500 Paveway II laser-guided bombs from Lockheed Martin. It has now been followed by a smaller order worth “several $Millions” to Elbit Systems, which are beginning to equip the Cheyl Ha’avir with their Lizard laser-guided bomb kits. The dynamic described above explains why Lizard was an export item before it was bought by Israel’s own military; customers include “NATO member countries” and others, and some have already placed repeat orders. The Elbit release notes that Israel’s purchase will help boost worldwide sales prospects, presumably by removing the implicit “second best” label.
For more information covering precision-guidance kits and hard target penetrator weapons around the world, DID commends Armada International’s excellent article “Hard Nut Crackers” to our readers.