Elbit Secures 235 Million Dollar Rocket Deal With Azerbaijan

Israel's Elbit Systems has secured a 235 million dollar agreement to supply Azerbaijan with precision-guided rockets and multiple-launch artillery systems, expanding the two countries' defense cooperation. Announced on October 19, 2026, the contract will be implemented over three years through a government-to-government arrangement involving Israel's Ministry of Defense and Azerbaijan's defense authorities, according to Globes and Calcalist.

The agreement covers EXTRA-MR medium-range rockets and PULS rocket artillery launchers, along with additional artillery platforms and integrated logistical support, Globes reported. The rockets can engage targets at distances of up to 80 kilometers, providing Azerbaijan's military with a precision-strike capability.

Elbit has not publicly identified the customer in its contract announcement. However, Globes reported that its sources identified Azerbaijan as the buyer, a finding also cited by Calcalist and Defense Express. Azerbaijan is located at the boundary between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, making its classification as a European customer dependent on geographic context.

Elbit Systems CEO Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis said the agreement reinforces the company's position in the international rocket artillery market.

"This contract award further strengthens Elbit Systems’ position as a global leader in rocket artillery systems and reflects the growing international demand for our advanced rocket and launcher capabilities." Machlis said.

The PULS platform is designed to operate with compatible rocket systems and existing command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence architectures, according to Globes. Elbit also highlighted demand from European and NATO member countries as part of its assessment of the international market.

"The PULS systems and precision rocket solutions are recognized among the leading systems in their category and have been selected by a growing number of customers worldwide, including European and NATO member states. We remain committed to delivering advanced operational capabilities that support our customers’ evolving defense requirements." Machlis said.

The contract adds to a broader history of Israeli defense exports to Azerbaijan. According to Calcalist and Globes, previous transfers have included Elbit's Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicles, Israel Aerospace Industries' Barak MX air defense system, LORA ballistic missiles, and Rafael's Spike tactical missile systems. Elbit has also supplied Azerbaijan with self-propelled guns and other artillery equipment.

Israeli defense cooperation with Azerbaijan has expanded beyond equipment purchases. Globes reported that Ari Arms recently inaugurated a rifle manufacturing facility in Azerbaijan, with President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva attending the event. The government-owned facility is expanding production to include Western-style M4 rifles through a joint venture involving Ari Arms, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense Industry, and Iglim Scientific Production Enterprise.

The contract also comes amid wider demand for multiple-launch rocket systems, as European countries seek alternatives amid delivery constraints affecting some established systems. Defense Express identified South Korea's K239 Chunmoo and Israel's PULS among the alternatives attracting international buyers, with PULS selected by Greece, Denmark, Serbia, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Israel's defense exports reached 19.2 billion dollars in 2025, according to Ministry of Defense figures cited by Calcalist. Government-to-government agreements accounted for 52 percent of the total value of defense export deals that year, reflecting the importance of state-backed arrangements in Israel's international defense business.