Elbit Systems
| Elbit Systems | |
|---|---|
| Trade name | |
| Logo | 
|
| Type | Public |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Founder(s) | |
| Defunct | |
| Headquarters | Haifa, Israel |
| Industry | Defence electronics, aerospace, C4ISR, UAVs, electro-optics |
| Services | |
| Parent | |
| Subsidiaries | Elbit Systems UK Limited, Instro Precision Limited, Elbit Systems of America and others |
| Revenue | US$7.94 billion (2025) |
| Number of employees | ~21,000 |
| Homepage | elbitsystems.com |
Elbit Systems is an Israeli defence electronics company and one of the largest private defence contractors in Israel. It develops and manufactures a wide range of systems for airborne, land and naval applications, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electro-optics, night vision, electronic warfare, C4ISR systems, munitions and training simulators. Its products are supplied to the Israeli Defence Forces and exported globally, including to the UK Ministry of Defence.[1][2]
The company has faced sustained criticism and direct-action campaigns for its role as a major supplier of equipment used by the Israeli military in operations in Gaza and the West Bank. Critics, including Palestine Action, argue that its products (drones, targeting systems, night vision and electronic warfare equipment) are used in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and that UK subsidiaries have exported components and systems to Israel under UK licences.[3][4]
Products
Elbit Systems produces a wide range of defence electronics and systems for airborne, land and naval use. Its best-known products include the Hermes 450 and Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are used for reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting; the British Army’s Watchkeeper UAV is a licensed derivative of the Hermes 450 produced by the UK joint venture UAV Tactical Systems Ltd.. The company also manufactures electro-optical and night-vision systems (including the XACT series of night-vision goggles), electronic-warfare and signals-intelligence equipment, C4ISR systems, munitions, and training and simulation technology. Many of these systems are supplied to the Israeli Defence Forces and have been exported under UK licences by subsidiaries such as Instro Precision Limited.[5][6]
Leadership and directors
As of late 2025 / early 2026:
- David Federmann – Chair of the Board (director since 2007; chair since 2023)
- Bezhalel Machlis (also known as Butzi Machlis) – President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2013; joined company 1991)
- Other board members re-elected or serving in 2025–2026 include Michael Federmann, Rina Baum, Dov Ninveh, Ehud (Udi) Adam, Tzipi Livni, Ehood (Udi) Nisan, Bilha (Billy) Shapira (External Director), Noaz Bar Nir (External Director) and Jacob Bar-Nathan Abudi.[7][8]
Executive officers have included Yaacov Kagan (CFO), Yuval Ramon (COO) and divisional general managers for aerospace, land systems, C4I/cyber and ISTAR/EW.
Applegate allegations
Lobbying firm The Westminster Connection was named as part of a campaign to secure a £500 million contract for Israeli arms firm Elbit Systems by retired Lieutenant General Richard Applegate, who was targeted in a sting operation by Sunday Times journalists posing as representatives of a Korean drone manufacturer.[9] The Sunday Times reported:
- He confided that he used Westminster Connection, a discreet lobbying firm with Israeli links, as a "firebreak" to ensure "that my fingerprints weren't over any of it". It could gain access to anyone "from the Prime Minister down". He said the firm, based in Victoria and co-owned by Scott Hamilton, a former Conservative staffer, had used its links with Conservative Friends of Israel (CFI) to persuade MPs in the Commons to assist him in his campaign.[9]
The Sunday Times named Douglas Carswell and Defence Select Committee chairman James Arbuthnot as MPs who raised questions related to the campaign.[9]
PR firms retained by Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems, the Zionist entity's primary arms supplier, has engaged various public relations and lobbying firms to manage its reputation, particularly in the face of widespread protests targeting its role in military operations against Palestinians. These firms handle media relations, crisis communications, and government lobbying to shield the company from scrutiny over its contributions to the settler colony's military machine.
In the United Kingdom, CMS Strategic has long served as Elbit Systems' primary PR firm.[10] The London-based consultancy, led by managing director Georgia Rose Pickering, provides media relations and reputation management services amid repeated direct actions by Palestine Action against Elbit Systems facilities.[11] Reports allege that CMS Strategic influenced media narratives, including a story in The Times linking Palestine Action to Iranian funding ahead of the group's proscription in July 2025.[10] CMS Strategic and associated parties have denied these claims.[12]
In the UK, APCO Worldwide has provided consultant lobbying and strategic communications services for Elbit Systems' interests.[13] The global firm faced protests at its London headquarters over its representation of the Zionist colony's largest weapons producer during heightened scrutiny of arms supplies used in Gaza.[13] APCO Worldwide has also been linked to efforts defending Elbit Systems amid allegations of involvement in military actions.[14]
Other reported engagements include lobbying support through networks connected to pro-Zionist groups. For instance, The Westminster Connection, a political consultancy, assisted in campaigns securing contracts for Elbit Systems in the UK.[15] Such arrangements highlight efforts to maintain access to decision-makers amid growing opposition to the Zionist regime's arms trade.
These PR relationships have drawn criticism for enabling deflection from Elbit Systems' documented role in supplying equipment used in operations across occupied Palestine.[11] Protests targeting firms like CMS Strategic and APCO Worldwide underscore broader campaigns against complicity in the Zionist colony's military activities.
Lobby firms retained in the United States
Elbit Systems maintains significant lobbying operations in the United States through its subsidiary Elbit Systems of America, which engages multiple firms to influence defence policy, secure contracts, and navigate regulatory environments.[16] The company spent $789,000 on federal lobbying in 2025, focusing on defence appropriations and military technology procurement.[16]
Key lobbying firms retained include:
- S Vaca & Assoc: Provided lobbying services in recent cycles.[17]
- Stapleton & Assoc: Represented interests in defence-related matters.[17]
These efforts support Elbit Systems' extensive US contracts, including surveillance technologies deployed along the US–Mexico border and systems supplied to the US military.[18] Lobbying has drawn scrutiny amid allegations of complicity in the Zionist regime's military actions, though the firm operates under strict US security agreements.[18]
Lobby firms retained in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Elbit Systems has engaged consultant lobbyists to manage its interests amid intense scrutiny from pro-Palestinian activism targeting its facilities and supply chains.[19] The Zionist colony's largest weapons manufacturer faced protests that pressured several firms to end relationships.
Notable engagements include:
- APCO Worldwide: Provided consultant lobbying and strategic communications services for Elbit Systems' UK interests until late 2024, when the firm dropped the client following direct actions and red paint protests at its London offices.[20][19]
- Networks linked to The Westminster Connection: Assisted in securing contracts and political access for Elbit Systems in the UK.[15]
These lobbying activities have supported Elbit Systems' UK subsidiary amid repeated disruptions by Palestine Action and criticism over its role in supplying the Zionist regime's military machine.[10] The engagements highlight efforts to maintain influence in Westminster despite growing opposition to arms ties with the settler colony.
Subsidiaries
United States
- Elbit Systems U.S. Corp. (ESC) - wholly owned by Elbit Systems
- Elbit Systems of America, LLC - wholly owned by Elbit Systems U.S. Corp.
- EFW Inc. - wholly owned by Elbit Systems of America
- Kollsman, Inc. - wholly owned by Elbit Systems of America
- International Enterprises, Inc. (IEI) - wholly owned by Elbit Systems of America
- Innovative Concepts, Inc. (“ICI”) - wholly owned by Elbit Systems of America
- Talla-Com, Tallahassee Communications Industries, Inc. (Talla-Com) - wholly owned by Elbit Systems of America
- Vision Systems International - 50 per cent owned by Elbit Systems of America[21]
Israel
- Elbit Systems Electro-Optics - Elop Ltd. - wholly owned by Elbit Systems
- Elbit Systems Land and C4I Ltd. - wholly owned by Elbit Systems
- Elisra - 70 per cent owned by Elbit Systems
- Tadiran Electronic Systems Ltd. (Tadiran Systems) - wholly owned by Elisra
- Tadiran Spectralink Ltd. (Tadiran Spectralink) - wholly owned by Elisra
- Elbit Systems – Cyclone Ltd. - wholly owned by Elbit Systems
- Snunit Aviation Services Ltd
- Elbit Security Systems Ltd. - wholly owned by Elbit Systems
- Elbit Systems - Kinetics Ltd. (Kinetics) - wholly owned by Elbit Systems
- Semi-Conductor Devices (SCD) - 50 per cent owned by Elbit Systems
- Opgal – Optronics Industries Ltd. - owned 50.1 per cent by Elbit Systems[21]
Europe
- Elbit Systems UK Limited (company 05241591) - wholly owned by Elbit Systems. Principal UK subsidiary; employs over 600 personnel across multiple sites in defence, aerospace and related sectors.[22]
- Instro Precision Limited (company 00794972) - wholly owned by Elbit Systems UK Limited. Specialises in electro-optics, target acquisition systems, precision tripods and night-vision equipment (including the XACT nv33 night vision goggles for the UK Ministry of Defence). Based at Sentinel House, Artillery Way, Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9FL. Has held multiple UK export licences for targeting and related equipment to Israel and has been a repeated target of Palestine Action actions.[23][3][4]
- UAV Tactical Systems Ltd. (U-TacS / UTacS) - formerly 51 per cent owned by Elbit Systems UK Limited (49 per cent Thales UK). Full acquisition by Elbit Systems UK Limited completed January 2026. Produces the Watchkeeper tactical UAV (based on the Hermes 450) for the British Army and other customers.[24][3]
- UAV Engines Limited (UEL) - subsidiary producing engine parts (including components associated with Hermes-class systems). Has held UK export licences to Israel.[3]
- Ferranti Technologies Limited - acquired by Elbit; Power and Control business sold to TT Electronics in January 2022 for approximately £9 million. Remaining activities (training and simulation, avionics, displays, aircrew survival systems, platform protection and computing) integrated into Elbit Systems UK Limited.[25]
- Elite KL Limited - UK subsidiary associated with land systems and sensors.[26]
Additional UK activity includes the Affinity Flying Training Services joint venture (with KBR) supporting the UK Military Flying Training System.
Notes on UK operations
Elbit Systems UK Limited states that its activities are focused on UK and other non-Israeli customers and that it does not supply products or services to the Israeli Defence Forces, though group-level technology transfer and licensed exports between UK subsidiaries and Israeli entities occur under UK export controls.[22] Multiple UK subsidiaries (including Instro Precision Limited, UAV Tactical Systems Ltd. and UAV Engines Limited) have obtained military or dual-use export licences to Israel since 2021.[3]
Controversies: Palestine Action campaign
Palestine Action has conducted repeated direct actions against Elbit Systems UK facilities and related sites since around 2020, intensifying after October 2023. Targets have included Instro Precision Limited (Sandwich, Kent; blocked entrances and property damage claimed in 2023–2024), the Filton / Aztec West site near Bristol (major break-in on 6 August 2024 using a vehicle as a battering ram, sledgehammers and red paint; estimated £1–1.2 million damage to drones and equipment), UAV-related sites, and subcontractors.[3][27][28]
Outcomes reported include the closure of the Aztec West / Filton research and manufacturing hub in September 2025 following repeated actions; claims by activists of four UK weapons sites closed and more than ten companies severing ties; multiple export licence grants to Israel by UK subsidiaries (Instro Precision reported with 25 licences since 2021); and high-profile trials resulting in convictions for criminal damage and, in one case, grievous bodily harm (Samuel Corner sentenced to over seven years after striking a police officer). Several activists were detained under terrorism powers; Palestine Action was later proscribed. Elbit Systems UK has denied supplying the Israeli military and stated compliance with UK export controls.[29][30][3]
Resources
Powerbase resources
External resources
- Who's Lobbying Elbit Systems
- Electronic Intifada Elbit
Notes
- ↑ Introduction, Elbit Systems, accessed 10 March 2012.
- ↑ Elbit Systems, Wikipedia, accessed 12 October 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Elbit Systems, Campaign Against Arms Trade.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Instro Precision: The UK arms firm sending targeting gear to Israel, Declassified UK, 8 May 2025.
- ↑ Introduction, Elbit Systems, accessed 10 March 2012.
- ↑ Elbit Systems, Campaign Against Arms Trade.
- ↑ Elbit Systems, Results of Annual General Meeting, 30 October 2025.
- ↑ Financial Times / markets data on Elbit Systems directors, accessed 2026.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Secret campaign 'secured £500m', Insight, Sunday Times, 14 October 2012.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Middle East Eye, PR firm 'planted story' about Iran funding Palestine Action in media, report says Middle East Eye, 3 November 2025.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Novara Media, Palestine Action Iran Media Story 'Planted' by Israel-Linked PR Firm Novara Media, 5 November 2025.
- ↑ Middle East Eye, PR boss embroiled in Palestine Action 'placed story' row is Labour councillor Middle East Eye, 6 November 2025.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Alestiklal, U.S. Lobbying Firm Partners With Israeli Arms Manufacturer: What's Behind the Alliance? Alestiklal, 3 September 2024.
- ↑ Declassified UK, Labour think tank paid PR firm to investigate Declassified journalist Declassified UK, accessed February 2026.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Powerbase, The Westminster Connection Powerbase, accessed February 2026.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 OpenSecrets, Client Profile: Elbit Systems OpenSecrets, accessed 13 February 2026.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 OpenSecrets, Elbit Systems Lobbyists OpenSecrets, accessed 13 February 2026.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 AFSC Investigate, Elbit Systems Ltd AFSC Investigate, accessed 13 February 2026.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Morning Star, Lobbying firm APCO dumps Israeli-owned arms manufacturer Elbit Morning Star, 1 November 2024.
- ↑ Alestiklal, U.S. Lobbying Firm Partners With Israeli Arms Manufacturer: What's Behind the Alliance? Alestiklal, 3 September 2024.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Major Subsidiaries, Elbit Systems, accessed 15 October 2012.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 UK Operations, Elbit Systems UK.
- ↑ Instro Precision Limited, Companies House.
- ↑ Elbit Systems, Elbit Systems Expands in Europe with Full Acquisition of UTACS, 22 January 2026.
- ↑ Elbit Systems, Elbit Systems Reorganizes UK Activities, 10 January 2022.
- ↑ Analysis: How Elbit plans to expand its UK activities, FlightGlobal, 2 May 2017.
- ↑ 2024 Filton Elbit Systems break-in, Wikipedia.
- ↑ Palestine Action activists guilty of Elbit Systems site raid, BBC News, 5 May 2026.
- ↑ Israeli defense giant Elbit said to quietly shut down UK plant targeted by activists, Times of Israel, 6 September 2025.
- ↑ AP News reporting on sentencing of Filton activists, June 2026.