Tel Aviv: Israeli company Elbit Systems and TKMS have inaugurated a new production line in Israel for the manufacture of underwater structural components for submarines. As part of the cooperation, Elbit Systems will establish a new manufacturing facility for underwater GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester) components for submarines.
The companies on February 17, inaugurated a new production facility in northern Israel designated for the production of underwater GRP components for submarines. The facility constitutes an additional step in deepening the ties between the two companies and is part of TKMS’s industrial cooperation activities under the framework of offset procurement in Israel.
The establishment of the facility represents a significant milestone in the development and expansion of Israel’s defence manufacturing base and reflects a broad investment in advanced infrastructure and industrial innovation. The plant, located in a national priority area, is expected in its initial phase to employ dozens of workers and will contribute to strengthening the Israeli economy, creating high-quality jobs in northern Israel, and deepening the regional industrial ecosystem.
The entire initiative is carried out under an industrial agreement between the companies, under which new production facilities will be established and advanced technologies developed based on TKMS’s knowledge and experience.
The agreement enables Elbit Cyclone to expand its product portfolio, market them in new international markets, and establish local expertise in the production of advanced underwater components – a field that has not been manufactured in Israel until now. The cooperation positions the production of these components in Israel for the first time and strengthens northern Israel as a strategic industrial and technological centre. The facility’s activity constitutes a regional growth engine, integrating advanced industry, innovation, and defence manufacturing under one roof.
Paul Glaser, CFO of TKMS, said, “This is a landmark moment for TKMS in Israel. The establishment of the facility symbolises a long-term partnership with Israel’s defence industry, based on trust, commitment, and shared values. The facility strengthens Israel’s ability to independently manufacture underwater components and creates infrastructure that will enable technological progress and deep cooperation, as part of a joint effort to strengthen stability and security in the maritime domain.”
Yoram Shmuely, General Manager of the Aerospace Division at Elbit Systems, states, “Elbit welcomes the partnership with TKMS. This cooperation will expand local manufacturing capabilities and serve as an anchor for global activity in the underwater domain. The expansion of the plant in the Galilee, as part of the company’s policy of maintaining a strong presence in the Galilee and the Negev, will provide livelihoods for dozens of additional households and strengthen the northern economy.”
Ze’ev Landau, Head of the Directorate of Production and Procurement at the Ministry of Defence, remarked, “The partnership with TKMS shipyard spans many years, during which the strength of the Israeli Navy has been built and continues to be built for the years ahead. The establishment of the facility as part of industrial offset procurement constitutes part of the Ministry of Defence’s strategy to expand the defence manufacturing base as part of the lessons of the war and will assist in strengthening the IDF, promoting Israeli industries, and developing the economy. We hope that the establishment of the plant will serve as fertile ground for continued successful industrial, technological, and economic cooperation with TKMS shipyard.”
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
