Israel Signs $190 Million Deal with Elbit Systems to Establish Advanced Artillery Training Center
Israel's Ministry of Defense has signed a 15-year agreement with Elbit Systems, worth more than $190 million, to establish an advanced training center for commanders and soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Artillery Corps. The new facility will prepare military personnel to operate two next-generation weapons systems: the SIGMA self-propelled howitzer and the PULS multiple rocket launcher.
The agreement was signed by the Ministry of Defense's Directorate of Defense Procurement (DDP), in cooperation with the IDF Ground Forces. Valued at approximately 600 million shekels, the contract covers the development and delivery of advanced technological training infrastructure, as well as comprehensive instruction, maintenance and long-term logistical support services.
The future center will include dedicated facilities, classrooms equipped with advanced technologies, driving simulators and mission simulators. The aim is to familiarize military personnel with the new equipment under conditions that closely replicate operational environments before they are deployed in the field.
Shortening Training Periods and Strengthening Operational Capabilities
The agreement marks an important milestone ahead of the full operational deployment of the new artillery systems. Through a training framework relying heavily on simulation, the Ministry of Defense aims to shorten qualification periods, improve soldiers' readiness and enable the Artillery Corps to make full use of its new equipment.
The use of dedicated training infrastructure is also expected to reduce the need to use operational platforms for exercises and lower the associated maintenance costs.
The 15-year contract is designed to ensure continuity in training, maintenance and technical support throughout the systems' operational lifespans.
Zeev Landau, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Defense and Head of the Directorate of Defense Procurement, described the agreement as an important step toward strengthening the IDF's capabilities and operational readiness.
He emphasized that the project is part of the ministry's broader strategy to improve the operational availability of military forces, support Israel's defense industry and provide deployed units with long-term technological and logistical assistance.
According to Landau, combining advanced simulation technologies with a comprehensive support framework will allow the Artillery Corps to fully harness the firepower of the SIGMA howitzer and the new systems while optimizing the use of resources.
Elbit Systems Expands Its Role in Military Training
For Elbit Systems, the agreement further strengthens its position in developing technological solutions for Israel's ground forces.
Boaz Cohen, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Elbit Systems' Land Division, said the company had developed one of the world's most advanced training and instructional systems for the IDF.
He believes the new artillery school and its infrastructure will provide soldiers with effective, high-quality training while maintaining the Artillery Corps at the highest level of operational readiness.
The project highlights the growing importance of simulation technologies in preparing modern armed forces. As military systems become increasingly sophisticated, the ability to train soldiers in realistic environments without constantly deploying operational equipment is becoming a strategic priority.
Caroline Haïat
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