Duns 100 maps 60 firms driving Israel’s defense-tech transformation

A new analysis by Dun & Bradstreet’s Duns 100 has identified 60 key companies shaping Israel’s rapidly evolving defense technology sector. Published amid rising global demand for advanced military hardware, the ranking provides the first comprehensive overview of Israel’s defense industry, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in global arms trade and cutting-edge military innovation. The Duns 100 index categorizes the 60 firms into six distinct areas: defense integrators, defense manufacturing, unmanned and autonomous systems, homeland security, intelligence and cyber, and tactical and ground equipment. Among them, 23 are engaged in defense manufacturing, while 19 specialize in unmanned and autonomous systems. These two sectors dominate the list, reflecting the core pillars of Israel’s defense-tech ecosystem. Leading the rankings are well-established names such as Elbit Systems, Plasan Sasa, Aeronautics, Magal, Cellebrite, and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). These firms have long played pivotal roles in supplying advanced military technology to allies around the world. However, the list also includes numerous startups and emerging players that are redefining the landscape. Companies like D-Fend Solutions, ThirdEye Systems, Parazero Technologies, High Lander Aviation, Controp Precision Technologies, Bagira, Smart Shooter, and MeproLight are noted for their work in autonomy, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced sensing technologies. One notable example of the impact of these firms is the deployment of D-Fend’s anti-drone system during the September 15 Mass prayer event in Slovakia, where Pope Francis was present. This incident underscored the real-world application of Israeli defense technology in high-profile international settings. Alongside the primary ranking, Duns 100 also recognized five emerging companies poised to shape the future of Israel’s defense industry. These include Aero Sentinel, AIR VEV, Axon Vision, Kela AI, and XTEND. Each of these firms offers innovative solutions critical to transforming modern battlefields, according to the index. The methodology used by Duns 100 combines both quantitative and qualitative metrics. Factors considered included business strength, technological innovation, global reach, position within the defense supply chain, and operational significance. This approach allows for a nuanced comparison across different segments of the industry, taking into account each firm’s specific context and developmental stage. Sheila Zavaro Weiss, a senior director at Duns 100, emphasized that the ranking marks a fundamental change in understanding Israel’s defense sector. She explained that the industry is no longer confined to traditional manufacturing alone but encompasses a broader defense-tech model. “For the first time, we are unveiling a dedicated ranking of Israel's defense industry companies, a move designed to map the Israeli defense ecosystem broadly and on a data-driven basis,” she stated. Zavaro Weiss added that the ranking illustrates how the industry is evolving from one focused purely on producing systems and components to one that integrates industrial capabilities with software, data, artificial intelligence, autonomy, sensors, and operational relevance. This shift underscores the multifaceted nature of modern defense operations. The data gathered for the ranking reveal that Israel’s defense ecosystem is much more extensive than previously assumed. While the three largest defense corporations remain influential, the remaining 57 companies contribute significantly to the overall output. These firms collectively represent approximately 70% of the ranking, emphasizing the importance of advanced production capabilities and next-generation technologies. Moreover, many of the listed companies operate internationally, with some generating up to 90% of their revenue from overseas markets. This trend highlights Israel’s increasing footprint in the global defense market. Recent figures from Israel’s Defense Ministry indicate that the country’s defense exports reached $19.2 billion in 2025, setting a new record and marking the fifth consecutive year of growth. As the defense industry continues to evolve, the Duns 100 ranking serves as a benchmark for tracking progress and identifying key players in Israel’s dynamic defense-tech landscape.