Revealed: The Mysterious European Country Behind Elbit’s $1.6 Billion Mega-Deal
The landmark contract includes advanced strike systems, drones, electronic warfare and intelligence solutions – setting Elbit on track to shatter global sales records in 2025.
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Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest defense company, has confirmed one of its biggest-ever contracts: a $1.635 billion deal with Serbia, marking a strategic partnership to upgrade and digitize the Balkan state’s military capabilities.
The identity of the client had been kept secret since Elbit’s announcement last week, but a report by Calcalist revealed that Serbia was the European country behind the massive order.
A Historic Deal
The deal ranks among the largest in Elbit’s history, just behind the $1.7 billion project to modernize the Hellenic Air Force’s training program in Greece. The Serbian contract represents nearly a quarter of Elbit’s annual sales in recent years and will be executed over the next five years.
What the Contract Includes
The agreement covers two main areas:
Additionally, Elbit will provide Serbia with a comprehensive digital battlefield solution, including advanced command, control, communications, and computerization (C4I) infrastructure.
Breaking Records Despite European Protests
The mega-deal comes against the backdrop of intensifying anti-Israel protests across Europe due to the war in Gaza. Yet, Elbit continues to post record-breaking financial growth:
Elbit CEO: “A Strategic Choice”
Elbit’s president and CEO, Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, told Walla! that Serbia was looking for a partner with “a broad portfolio of products and the ability to develop local operations.”
“This deal will help us cross the $8 billion sales threshold for the first time this year,” Machlis said. “It’s a strong quarter across all metrics and all markets.”