The Israeli MoD has announced an expansion of its sea and air bridges, bringing tens of thousands of tonnes of weapons and equipment into the country. Alongside this, efforts are continuing to support and expand the domestic defence industry as preparation continue for life after Operation Roaring Lion.
By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on May 1, 2026.
Israel’s air and sea bridges brought more than 6,500 tonnes of equipment into the country in 24 hours. According to an April 30 press release, two ships docked at Ashdod and Haifa bringing JLTVs, trucks, and thousands of munitions.
The total weight of the shipment was 6,500 tonnes, the press release adds. In all, the air and sea bridges have brought 115,000 tonnes of equipment into Israel since Operation Roaring Lion started in February. That equipment has come through ten sealifts and 403 airlifts.
“This expanding air and sea bridge directly strengthens the IDF’s capabilities and operational superiority. Our job is to ensure the IDF has everything it needs to return to fighting at full force against our enemies, at any time and in any place,” Israel Katz, the country’s Defence Minister said.
The airlift was first announced back in March and had quickly delivered 1,000 tonnes of equipment. However, the latest announcement signifies how much progress has been made.
Director General of the Israeli MoD, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram emphasised the constant flow of equipment. “This is core to the Ministry’s strategy: supporting every IDF need, both through massive near-term procurement and by building readiness for a demanding security decade ahead.”
The “demanding security decade” was referenced in August 2025 as upgrades to the David’s Sling air defence system were announced. At the time, Maj. Gen Baram explained that the decade would “demand robust offensive and defensive capabilities.”
Israel plays catch-up with domestic production
Director General of the Israeli MoD, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram meets with the directors of Israel’s domestic defence industry. Credit: Israeli MoD.
In addition to the airlift, the Israeli MoD has placed multiple contracts with the domestic defence industry. This includes an April 23 contract with Elbit Systems valued at $200 million for aerial munitions. “We are building the foundation that will enable the IDF to face any combat scenario, backed by sovereign production capabilities,” Maj Gen Baram said.
That contract with Elbit followed another announcement in March, shortly after Operation Roaring Lion began. At the time it was made clear that efforts were underway to expand production and build Elbit’s domestic capabilities.
Since then, further orders for artillery ammunition have expanded Elbit’s production activities.
Assessing the situation at a gathering of industry leaders on April 29, Baram said, “We are in a continuous state of emergency. We must continue to accelerate the pace of production of air and ground weapons, in order to achieve Israeli production independence.”
He added that the Israeli MoD was working to reduce its debts to the defence industry. Debts, which he said, “stem from the Treasury’s policy of under-budgetizing the defence system.” In return, the directors of Israel’s domestic industry reported that production was breaking records and taking place 24/7.
The Israeli Ministerial Committee for Procurement has also approved plans to increase and expand Arrow 3 production. Arrow 3 has been one of the primary interceptors of Iran’s ballistic missiles, although David’s sling has been modified to intercept ballistic missiles too.
That plan builds upon a multi-billion-dollar order for Iron Dome interceptors that was also expected to expand production. That order was placed with Rafael, meaning that major contracts have been placed with all of Israel’s domestic manufacturers.
Calibre comment: An intense decade ahead
It is interesting to note that some of the short-term language used by the US administration regarding the war with Iran, is at odds with Israel’s preparations. While the messaging from the White House is inconsistent, Israel has been consistent. Furthermore, it is clear that the Israeli MoD sees Operation Roaring Lion as the start of a long period of insecurity. Arguably, the war should reduce the capabilities of Israel’s primary threats. But it may not bring the peace that some are perhaps hoping for. Either way, the Israeli MoD appears to be building the stockpiles and industry necessary to ensure it can act when and how it wants
Further reading
If you would like to read more of our coverage on Operation Roaring Lion, check out the links below.
The lead image shows containers of munitions being unloaded at a dock in Israel. Credit: Israeli MoD.