From Lab to Warzone, and Back
From AI copilots to dual-use tech, Elbit’s innovation engine runs on speed, scale, and surprise. But can it outpace tomorrow’s threats?
In April 2025, Elbit Systems hosted a weeklong webinar series on innovation, bringing together leaders from R&D, investment, and operations. The sessions explored how innovation is driven not only by emerging technologies, but also by mindset, adaptability, and collaboration. One standout panel featured Eli, Elbit’s VP of Innovation, joined by senior innovation leads Netta and Uri, who reflected on lessons from both the field and internal operations.
“Innovation isn’t just about technology,” said Uri. “It’s about sustained effort and commitment. That’s a lesson I learned the hard way.”
The discussion quickly moved beyond buzzwords, focusing on how Elbit turns that mindset into daily practice – and wartime preparedness.
Eli cited the recent conflict in Gaza as a case in point: “You can’t just move on to the next project. You have to keep solving yesterday’s problems while preparing for tomorrow’s. In wartime, both sides face steep learning curves. You might have to reinvent yourself five times in one campaign.”
That sense of urgency is now embedded in Elbit’s innovation model, which Eli describes as a three-part formula: committed people, cross-sector technologies, and open collaboration. “Some of the best ideas come from outside the defense world – but they need funding and a path into our domain. That’s our job,” he said.
Rewiring the Flow
Military tech once flowed outward into civilian life. Today, Elbit increasingly scouts technologies from civil aviation, healthcare, and manufacturing – and adapts them for defense. “We’re engaged with about 20 startups with civilian applications,” says Netta, former head of Elbit’s Incubit accelerator. “In the past two years, we’ve expanded our ecosystem and reshaped our investment model to build stronger bridges between sectors.”
That kind of cross-pollination requires a shift in mindset. “We’re a company of divisions,” Eli acknowledged. “But we’re pushing hard for collaboration across teams – especially in frontier areas like AI.”
AI, with a Mission
Artificial intelligence isn’t new. The challenge, says Uri, is “making real impact without trying to out-Google Google.” The key, he explains, is focusing on what Elbit already does well – and enhancing it with GenAI. “We asked the public for ideas. Out of 120 submissions, 40 made it to division CTOs, and 15 will compete to be funded for a pilot program. These are solutions that build on existing strengths and aim to make them smarter.”
That open-innovation approach, Eli adds, is now backed by clear internal infrastructure. “Every division has a designated contact for external innovation. If the technology aligns with Elbit’s strategic technological goals, we can help fund it – even through outside capital.”
From Factory Floor to Front Line
Innovation at Elbit doesn’t end in the lab. At the Yitzhak plant in northern Israel, more than ten new technologies have been introduced on the factory floor – improving quality control, maintenance, and production processes. “In one case, we developed our own mid-production inspection system because no supplier could meet our needs,” said Netta. “Today, that site is faster than ever. Whatever it produces is sold and shipped immediately.”
As the session wrapped up, one message stood out: innovation at Elbit isn’t a department – it’s a system. It spans production lines, battlefield solutions, startup investments, and strategic collaborations. Most importantly, it’s built to learn, adapt, and scale – again and again.