Haifa, Israel: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. on March 27 declared its financial results for 2023, as approved by the company’s board of directors. In 2023, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd performed well and registered sales of around NIS 14 billion and new orders amounted to around NIS 30 billion – a record. The company’s net profit stood at NIS 588 million.  

Rafael’s order backlog reached an all-time high, with a 47% increase over 2022 – NIS 52.416 million- driven by orders from both domestic and international markets. The volume of orders in 2023 increased by approximately 85%, totalling NIS 29.864 million, with 57% of the orders coming from international customers (NIS 17.072 million) and the remaining 43% from Israel (NIS 12.792 million).

The fourth quarter of 2023 was exceptional in terms of activity, with Rafael receiving orders totalling NIS 14.514 million, with over 61% of these orders being international, following the completion of large export deals. Sales volume in the fourth quarter stood at NIS 4.594 million, a 19% increase compared to the corresponding quarter last year. Rafael noted a slight decrease in the gross profit margin compared to 2022 due to fluctuations during the “Swords of Iron War.”

Rafael Chairman, Dr Yuval Steinitz commented, “We conclude 2023 as a record-breaking year in professional and business activity at Rafael. In its vision and mission, Rafael functions as a significant pillar in the security of the State of Israel. This year this vision was practically brought to fruition with some of the most advanced technological and operational breakthroughs. Even before the “Swords of Iron War”, whose effects on the company’s reports will be seen mainly in 2024, Rafael realised important opportunities in various countries in the world with huge deals such as the historic sale of the “David’s Sling” to Finland, the sale of Spike missiles to Greece, and more. I would like to take this opportunity to thank, on behalf of myself and the board of directors, the outgoing CEO of Rafael, Maj Gen Yoav Har-Even, for 8 years of leadership and significant work in the company. On behalf of the board of directors and the management, I would of course like to thank the Rafael employees and their families for their dedication and professionalism.”

 

Rafael CEO, Yoav Tourgeman said, “Alongside our extensive life-saving activity in Israel, Rafael continues to operate globally with a diverse product portfolio, maintaining economic strength and commercial resilience. Rafael makes a crucial contribution to the IDF and the entire security establishment, with a wide range of advanced capabilities and systems resulting from significant investments in research and development. Above all, we rely on a high-quality human resource base, enabling us to meet the challenges and goals ahead. We expect to bring onboard approximately 2,000 new employees this year. While Rafael faces a challenging year in terms of performance and deliveries, I am confident that our proven operational experience, combined with cutting-edge innovation and excellent market positioning globally, will enable us to continue delivering the most significant value proposition to our customers.”

In addition to the intensive activity during “Swords of Iron War” Rafael achieved significant milestones in 2023, both in the development and testing field and in impressive business results. The company continues to maintain its position as a global leader in developing air defence systems and strengthening its presence in various markets.

In June, the company unveiled the “Sky Sonic” missile, the world’s first dedicated hypersonic missile defence interceptor, while also conducting advanced systems tests alongside the Israeli MOD including the David’s Sling, Iron Beam HELWS and others. Additionally, Rafael conducted, in collaboration with the UK MOD, live tests of the TROPHY Active Protection System (APS) to adapt the system to the future Challenger tank. The TROPHY APS is the only operational active defence system in the world, integrated into 16 different platforms worldwide and has been a critical asset enabling the ground manoeuvring of IDF troops in Gaza.

Furthermore, in September 2023, Squadron 144 “The Spark” was established, the new UAV from Aeronautics that will be part of the joint Thunderstorm array for Rafael, Aeronautics, the Air Force, and the Ground Forces.

Alongside the extensive international activity, Rafael continues its central mission of being a significant contributor to national security in a challenging year with complex security realities. During “Operation Shield and Arrow” in May 2023, the “David’s Sling” system successfully conducted two operational interceptions, and during “Operation Iron Sword,” the system became central to Israel’s air defence array. Later, during “Operation Home and Garden” in Jenin in July 2023, the “Oz” (Fire Fly) loitering munition was deployed, a member of the Spike family.

With the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, Rafael intensified its support for the IDF and the security system, rapidly organising to provide a tailored work plan for short and long-term challenges. Efforts focused on accelerating supplies and implementing Rafael’s systems for the IDF while maintaining continuous operations with international customers abroad. In addition, efforts were made to supply systems supporting the military effort, focusing on the production of missiles for the “Iron Dome” and “David’s Sling” systems, various Spike missiles, parts for the TROPHY APS as well as for dozens of additional systems.

In addition to working around the clock, about 20% of Rafael employees were recruited into the reserves and the shifts on the production lines were covered by engineers from among Rafael’s various divisions. Rafael also continued to support the security establishment at the IDF bases and operational areas supporting use of the systems, identifying needs and providing immediate solutions while continuously upgrading the systems and integrating new operational capabilities in the midst of combat.

As a policy, Rafael annually invests approximately 8% of its total revenues in research and development budgets that enable the development of the next generations of the systems and the technologies of the future.