The military equipment of Israel includes a wide array of arms, armored vehicles, artillery, missiles, planes, helicopters, and warships. Many of these are purchased overseas and many are indigenous designs. Until the Six-Day War of 1967, the Israel Defense Forces' principal supplier was France; since then, it has been the United States government and defense companies in the United States. In the early 21st century, Israeli companies (such as Soltam Systems) began selling arms to the United States. [1] Much military equipment undergoes improvements in Israeli workshops.
In addition to weapons purchased overseas and indigenous products, Israel also operates and maintains large stockpiles of Soviet-made equipment, captured from Arab armies over the course of the Arab–Israeli conflict. [2]
During the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, the military equipment in the IDF was very diverse and inconsistent. This was due to the severe limitation in obtaining war materiel (the British Mandate and the Arab embargo). During the 1950s, the IDF began the process of standardization, relying primarily on French military equipment.
During the Six-Day War, the military cooperation with France ceased (the French Weapons Embargo of 1967) and Israel began to rely on American weaponry and on local research and development. During the 1980s and 1990s, the IDF increased its supplies of American arms, armor and aircraft, aiming for technological superiority over Arab countries, toward "a smaller, smarter army".
The reliance on locally manufactured military equipment has also greatly increased. Today, the overwhelming majority of Israel's military equipment is either manufactured in the United States (and often modified in Israeli workshops), or is developed and manufactured locally, with an increasing emphasis on advanced technology, including aerospace and electronics.
Some of the military equipment developed locally have been:
Name | Image | Type | Caliber | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pistols | |||||
Jericho 941 [4] | ![]() | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm | ![]() | Used by IDF and IDF Special Forces |
Glock 17 [5] | ![]() | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm | ![]() | Used by IDF Special Forces |
Glock 19 [6] | ![]() | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm | ![]() | Used by IDF Special Forces |
Browning Hi-Power [6] | ![]() | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm | ![]() | |
SIG Sauer P226 [6] | ![]() | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | ![]() | Used by IDF Special Forces. |
Beretta M1951 [4] | | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm | ![]() | |
Heckler & Koch P11 [4] | ![]() | Underwater pistol | 7.62×36mm | ![]() | |
Submachine guns | |||||
IMI Uzi [7] | ![]() | Submachine gun | 9×19mm | ![]() | Uzi, Mini-Uzi, Micro-Uzi, and Uzi-Pro used. |
Ingram MAC-10 [4] | ![]() | Submachine gun | 9×19mm | ![]() | |
IWI X95 [4] | ![]() | Submachine gun and bullpup assault rifle | 9×19mm variant | ![]() | 9x19mm suppressed variant used by IDF Special Forces |
Semi-automatic rifle | |||||
Suppressed Ruger 10/22 [6] [8] | ![]() ![]() | Semi-automatic rifle | .22 LR | ![]() | Adopted for non-lethal crowd control. |
Assault rifles | |||||
Tavor X95 (Micro-Tavor Dor Gimel) [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Bullpup assault rifle/Carbine/Service rifle | 5.56x45mm | ![]() | Improved version of the X95 with longer barrel. |
IWI X95 (Micro-Tavor) [4] | ![]() | Bullpup Assault rifle/Carbine | 5.56x45mm | ![]() | Compact version of the TAR-21. Standard Issue rifle since 2009 replacing the TAR-21. |
IWI Tavor TAR-21 [4] | ![]() | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm | ![]() | Cut from service as of 2009 and replaced by the X95. |
M4A1 Carbine [4] | | Carbine/Assault rifle/Service rifle | 5.56×45mm | ![]() | Standard Issue Assault Rifle along with M16, CAR-15, and X95 and used by Special Forces |
M16A1 [9] | ![]() | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm | ![]() | Standard Issue Assault Rifle along with the M4, CAR-15, M16A2 and X95. Most of the long-barreled rifles were modified to have short barrel and a telescoping stock, the rest are reserved for basic training and ceremonial issues |
M16A2 [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm | ![]() | Standard Issue Assault Rifle along with the M4, CAR-15, M16A1 and X95. Most of the M16A2 is firing automatic, some to custom for DMR and rest are ceremonial issues. |
CAR-15 [6] | ![]() | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm | ![]() | Standard Issue Assault Rifle along with M4, M16A1, and X95 |
IMI Galil [4] [7] | ![]() | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm | ![]() | Used in limited numbers. Variants used are Galil AR and Galil SAR. Most Galil's have been replaced by the improved (Galil) IWI ACE. |
IMI Micro Galil [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm | ![]() | Used in limited numbers. Highly compact version of the Galil. Most Galil's have been replaced by the improved (Galil) IWI ACE. |
AKM [4] [7] [10] | ![]() | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm | ![]() | Captured from Arab armies over the course of the Arab–Israeli conflict and was used by Special Forces due to their high reliability. |
AK-47 [4] [7] [10] | ![]() | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm | ![]() | Captured from Arab armies over the course of the Arab–Israeli conflict and was used by Special Forces due to their high reliability. |
Battle rifles | |||||
M14 [4] | ![]() | Battle rifle | 7.62×51mm | ![]() | Used in limited numbers by the IDF. |
Light machine gun | |||||
IMI Negev [4] | ![]() | Light machine gun | 5.56×45mm | ![]() | Capable of firing semi-automatic or full-auto. The 5.56 variant features a unique dual feed system, it can accept 30 round STANAG magazines and an assault-box belt. |
Medium machine gun | |||||
M1919 Browning [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Medium machine gun | .30-06 Springfield | ![]() | |
General-purpose machine guns | |||||
FN MAG [11] | ![]() | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm | ![]() | Former Standard Issue to IDF Since 1960s to 1990s as a Main Machine Gun. |
Negev NG7 [ citation needed ] | ![]() | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm | ![]() | Capable of semi-automatic or full-automatic fire. |
PKM [6] | | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×54mmR | ![]() | Captured from Arab armies over the course of the Arab–Israeli conflict and used by Special Forces. |
M60 [ citation needed ] | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | ![]() | Limited use. | |
Heavy machine guns | |||||
Browning M2 (Makach 0.5) [4] | ![]() | Heavy machine gun | 12.7×99mm | ![]() | Upgraded to M2HB-QCB |
Shotguns | |||||
Armsel Striker [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Revolving riot shotgun | 12 Gauge | ![]() | Used for riot control |
Designated marksman rifles | |||||
M4A1 Kala Sa'ar [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Designated marksman rifle | 5.56×45mm | ![]() | Accurized M4A1, used by "kala sa'ar" marksmen. |
SR-25 Mk 11 [6] | ![]() | Designated marksman rifle/Sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm | ![]() | Used by IDF Special Forces. Also employed as a sniper rifle. |
Tavor X-95L "Micro-Tavor Kala'im"[ citation needed ] | ![]() | Designated marksman rifle | 5.56×45mm | ![]() | Accurized Micro-Tavor X95 with longer barrel, used by "kala sa'ar" marksmen. |
Sniper rifles | |||||
M24 SWS [6] | ![]() | Sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm | ![]() | Standard-issued sniper rifle, achieves accuracy of 0.5 MOA with IMI ammo. |
IDF Modernized M24 SWS [6] | ![]() | Sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm | ![]() | Standard-issued sniper rifle, achieves accuracy of 0.5 MOA with IMI ammo. |
Mauser 86SR [6] | Sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm | ![]() | Used for counter-terrorism operations. | |
Barak (HTR 2000) [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Long-range sniper rifle | .338 Lapua Magnum | ![]() | An IDF modified H-S Precision Pro Series 2000 HTR rifle |
Barrett M82A1 | Anti-materiel rifle | 12.7×99mm | ![]() | Used mainly by the Combat Engineering Corps and IDF Special Forces | |
McMillan TAC-50 [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Long range sniper rifle/Anti-materiel rifle | 12.7×99mm | ![]() | Used by IDF Special Forces. |
Barrett MRAD [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Multi-role sniper rifle (field sniping / counter-terrorism / long-range) | 7.62×51mm .338 Lapua Magnum | ![]() | Used by Special Forces and also by Israeli Police elite CT unit YAMAM. Achieves accuracy of 0.35-0.5 MOA (1.1 cm groups in 100 m). |
Barrett REC10[ citation needed ] | ![]() | Semi-automatic sniper rifle (counter-terrorism) | 7.62×51mm | ![]() | Use by the IDF special forces and also by Israeli Police. Achieves accuracy of around 0.75 MOA. |
IWI Dan [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Long-range sniper rifle | .338 Lapua Magnum | ![]() | |
Hand grenades | |||||
M26A2 [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Fragmentation grenade | n/a | ![]() | Based on the American M26 grenade |
IDF M48 [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Stun grenade | n/a | ![]() | Based on the American M84 stun grenade |
Name | Image | Type | Caliber | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
B-300 Shipon [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Shoulder-launched rocket | 96 mm | ![]() | |
M72 LAW [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Shoulder-launched rocket | 66 mm | ![]() | |
MATADOR [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Shoulder-launched rocket | 90 mm | ![]() ![]() | |
M203 [4] | ![]() | Under-barrel grenade launcher | 40 mm | ![]() | Usually mounted under an M16, M4, CAR-15, or X95. Mounted on X95's with longer barrels and large trigger guard instead of the standard pistol grip guard. |
Mk 19 [4] | ![]() | Automatic grenade launcher | 40 mm | ![]() | |
Mk 47 Striker [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Automatic grenade launcher | 40 mm | ![]() |
Name | Image | Type | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spike [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Anti-tank missile | ![]() | Used various models of the family, including Gil (Spike-MR) and Gil 2 (Spike-LR II), Spike-ER (I and II) and Tamouz (Spike NLOS). |
BGM-71 TOW [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Anti-tank missile | ![]() | |
LAHAT [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Anti-tank missile | ![]() | |
MAPATS [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Anti-tank missile | ![]() | |
Nimrod [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Long-range anti-tank missile | ![]() |
Name | Image | Type | Number | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main battle tanks (400) | |||||
Merkava Mark 4M | ![]() | Main battle tank | ~400 [12] | ![]() | ~200 stored. [12] |
Merkava Mark IV | ![]() | Main battle tank | ![]() | ||
Merkava Mark 3 | ![]() | Main battle tank | ![]() | ~700 stored. [12] | |
Armoured personnel carriers (1,360) | |||||
M113 | ![]() | Armored personnel carrier | 500 active [13] 5,000 in storage [13] | ![]() ![]() | Was used until the Battle of Shuja'iyya incident |
IDF Achzarit | ![]() | Heavy armored personnel carrier | ~100 [12] | ![]() | Based on the T-54 tank |
Nagmachon | ![]() | Heavy armored personnel carrier | N/A [12] | ![]() ![]() | Based on the Centurion tank |
Nakpadon | ![]() | Heavy armored personnel carrier | N/A [12] | ![]() ![]() | Based on the Centurion tank |
Nakpuma[ citation needed ] | Heavy combat engineering/Armored personnel carrier | N/A | ![]() ![]() | Based on the Centurion tank | |
Namer | ![]() | Heavy armored personnel carrier | ~290 [12] | ![]() | 531 planned to be in service by 2027. Based on the Merkava chassis. |
Eitan | ![]() | Armored fighting vehicle/Armored personnel carrier | N/A [12] | ![]() | Equipped with Iron Fist APS |
Utility vehicles | |||||
Wolf [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Armored vehicle | 300 | ![]() | |
AIL Storm [ citation needed ] | | Utility vehicle | 700 | ![]() | |
HMMWV [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Utility vehicle | 2,000+ | ![]() | |
MDT David [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Utility vehicle | 400 | ![]() ![]() | Based on the Land Rover Defender |
Plasan Sand Cat | ![]() | Utility vehicle | N/A [12] | ![]() | |
Otokar Akrep [ citation needed ] | Armored vehicle | 30 | ![]() | [14] | |
Trucks | |||||
AIL Abir [ citation needed ] | ![]() | 4×4 truck | N/A | ![]() | |
M35 [ citation needed ] | ![]() | 8×12 truck | N/A | ![]() | |
Unimog 437[ citation needed ] | ![]() | Heavy truck | N/A | ![]() | |
HEMTT [ citation needed ] | ![]() | 8×8 heavy truck | N/A | ![]() | |
Engineering vehicles | |||||
Puma | ![]() | Heavy combat engineering vehicle | N/A [12] | ![]() ![]() | Based on the Centurion tank |
Namer CEV | ![]() | Heavy combat engineering vehicle | N/A [12] | ![]() | Based on the Merkava tank |
IDF Caterpillar D9 [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Combat armored bulldozer | 175+ | ![]() ![]() | Bulldozer manufactured by Caterpillar Inc., military conversion and armor by Israel. |
IDF Caterpillar Excavator 330 [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Armored tracked excavator | N/A | ![]() ![]() | Excavators manufactured by Caterpillar Inc., military conversion and armor by Israel. |
IDF Caterpillar 966 Wheeled Loader[ citation needed ] | ![]() | Armored wheeled loader | N/A | ![]() ![]() | Loaders manufactured by Caterpillar Inc., military conversion and armor by Israel. |
M548 Alfa [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Cargo and ammunition carrier | N/A | ![]() ![]() | Based on the M113 |
M60 AVLB | ![]() | Armored bridge layer | N/A [12] | ![]() | |
Nemmera [ citation needed ] | Armored recovery vehicle | N/A | ![]() | Based on the Merkava | |
M88 | ![]() | Armored recovery vehicle | N/A [12] | ![]() | |
Nagmapop [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Command and surveillance vehicle | N/A | ![]() ![]() | Based on the Centurion tank |
AIL Desert Raider [ citation needed ] | Dune buggy | N/A | ![]() | ||
VIPeR [ citation needed ] | Unmanned ground vehicle | N/A | ![]() | ||
Guardium [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Unmanned ground vehicle | N/A | ![]() | |
Dawn Thunder/Black Thunder [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Unmanned armored bulldozer | N/A | ![]() ![]() | Based on the IDF Caterpillar D9N [15] |
IDF D9T Panda [ citation needed ] | ![]() | Unmanned armored bulldozer | N/A | ![]() ![]() | Based on the IDF Caterpillar D9 |
Name | Image | Type | Number in service [16] | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Self-propelled howitzers | |||||
M109 Doher | ![]() | 155mm self-propelled howitzer | 250 [12] | ![]() ![]() | Upgraded as the M109 Doher. Based on the M109A5. Replacement program initiated, [17] candidates include ATMOS 2000 and the Artillery Gun Module. [18] Used in limited numbers 30 M109A2 in store [12] |
M107 | ![]() | 175mm self-propelled howitzer | ![]() | 36 in store [12] | |
M110 | ![]() | 203mm self-propelled howitzer | ![]() | 36 in store [12] | |
Towed howtizers | |||||
M-46 | ![]() | 155mm howtizer | ![]() | 40 modernized in store [12] | |
M-68/M-71 | | 155mm howitzer | ![]() | 50 in store [12] | |
M-839P/M845P | 155mm howitzer | ![]() | 81 in store [12] | ||
Mortars | |||||
Cardom SP | ![]() | 120 mm self-propelled mortar | ![]() | Khanit [12] | |
Soltam M-65 | ![]() | 120 mm mortar | ![]() | 650 in store [12] | |
Soltam M-66 | ![]() | 160mm mortar | ![]() | 18 in store [12] | |
Anti-tank missile launcher | |||||
M113 Tamuz | ![]() | Missile launching vehicle | N/A | ![]() | Spike missiles launched from an M113 chassis [19] |
Multiple launch rocket system/Ballistic missiles | |||||
LAR-160 | ![]() | 160 mm MLRS | ![]() | 50 in store [12] | |
M270 "Menatetz" | ![]() | 270mm MLRS | 30 [12] | ![]() ![]() | 18 in store. |
PULS | ![]() | 306mm MLRS | N/A [12] | ![]() | |
Extended Range Artillery Rocket (EXTRA) | Long-range artillery rocket | ![]() | 150 km range [20] | ||
LORA | ![]() | Theater quasiballistic missile | ![]() |
Name | Image | Type | Number in service [16] | Origin | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MIM-104 Patriot | ![]() | Surface-to-air missile | N/A | ![]() | was upgraded to the GM+ "Yahalom" standard |
Iron Dome | ![]() | Air defense missile battery/Anti-rockets missile | 9+ | ![]() | Intercepted hundreds of artillery records since declared operational in 2011. |
David's Sling | ![]() | Medium- to long-range anti-ballistic missile/surface-to-air missile | N/A | ![]() | Medium- to long-range anti-ballistic missile with surface-to-air missile capability |
Arrow | ![]() | Anti-ballistic missile | N/A | ![]() | Out of the atmosphere anti-ballistic missile missile series |
Below are the IDF's active service watercraft. The year of service, speed, full load displacement, and crew members, are in parentheses.
Its sensitivities were galvanized by the capture of large quantities of Soviet CW-related equipment during both the 1967 Arab-Israeli and the 1973 Yom Kippur wars.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) September 20, 2010.