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Source: http://www.jcpa.org/brief/brief004-20.htm
Israel's Defense Industry as a Key Component of Israel's Qualitative Military Edge
(Institute for Contemporary Affairs/Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Giora Shalgi - In order for six million Israelis to face the quantitative asymmetric population imbalance with their potential enemies, they must maintain an asymmetrical qualitative edge. Israel's defense industry has focused on innovative system applications using proven technologies, avoiding investments in major platforms (except for the Merkava tank which has a unique history). Export is essential for Israel's industry to keep its critical mass because the internal market is too small to support it. Israel's defense exports have reached $3 billion annually, which makes it a significant player in the global export market in certain areas. The writer is former CEO of the Rafael Israel Armament Development Authority.