Elbit plans to hire 2,000 new employees, ending 2026 with 4,000 new hires, CEO Machlis says

Elbit Systems is significantly expanding its workforce, with plans to hire 2,000 new employees worldwide by the end of 2026. This move will bring the total number of new hires for the year to 4,000, following an initial 2,000 hires in the first half of 2026. Company president and CEO Bezalel Machlis attributed this expansion to a global shift in war strategies, noting that the prolonged nature and scale of modern conflicts necessitate a level of industrial readiness not seen before.

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the length of conflicts and the scale of the use of munitions require a different industrial readiness, with production capabilities at rates we have not known before.

Machlis highlighted a "very great demand for Israeli products" in the international market, particularly in Europe. He explained that many countries are prioritizing their defense and production independence, actively seeking advanced technologies in areas such as autonomy, munitions, communications systems, and artificial intelligence. This global trend presents an "enormous opportunity" for Elbit Systems. The company is also advancing a major expansion of its local production capabilities in Israel, including at its Ramat Beka site, to boost munitions production rates and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

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There is very great demand for Israeli products, and we have an enormous opportunity in Europe.

Despite past controversies, such as participation in the Eurosatory exhibition, Machlis suggested the event generated significant positive publicity for Elbit. He emphasized the critical need to develop advanced solutions for emerging threats like drone swarms and loitering munitions, noting substantial efforts within Israel's Defense Ministry and across the industry to field effective responses. Looking ahead, Machlis anticipates that energy weapons will become a key solution for countering drone swarms in the coming years.

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The publicity Elbit received at Eurosatory was greater than any marketing campaign we would have run.

The CEO also addressed the integration of Jewish immigrants into Israel's defense industry, calling it a "enormous opportunity." He shared that during the recent Eurosatory exhibition, Jewish employees from competing European defense firms expressed a desire to relocate and join Elbit in Israel. Elbit Systems is actively working to facilitate the absorption of this talent into its workforce.

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In the long term, energy weapons will provide a better solution for drone swarms and loitering munitions.