Top Israeli Defense Manufacturer Launches Innovation Center In US

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has announced the launch of an innovation center in Virginia to expand business activities and presence within the US. 

The state-owned company is one of the country’s leading aerospace and defense manufacturers. Its developments include the Arrow missile defense system, which is currently being used to shoot down ballistic missiles fired at Israel by the Houthi organization in Yemen.  

Along with the launch of the center, the state-owned firm is starting an accelerator program called IAI CATALYST. 

The five-month business accelerator program will be operated by Starburst Aerospace, an Israeli aerospace accelerator that helps develop startups in the field.  

The initiative will focus on key sectors including AI, quantum science, sustainability and energy technology, and space technology. 

Both the program and the innovation center are meant to foster Israeli cooperation with American startups in the defense market. 

The startups will receive support and mentorship in addition to financial support as they grow and enter the market. 

IAI is already operating similar innovation centers in Tel Aviv, where they develop new technological capabilities in sectors like sustainability, space, biotech, AI and autonomous systems. 

“The innovation that has characterized IAI throughout its 70-year history now has an important additional platform from which to showcase its capabilities and secure its future, by means of the inauguration of the center in Virginia,” said IAI President and CEO Boaz Levy. 

“I am confident that through this center we can promote joint business and technological activities for the benefit of both Israel and the United States of America, which continue together to pave the way of partnership through respect, collaboration, and support.”