Independence Under Fire

Since the beginning of the October 7th war, EMTAN has supplied the largest quantity of rifles to the Israeli security and defense forces compared to any other company, in Israel or abroad.. Founder and CEO Reuven Zada welcomes the trend in the Ministry of National Security and the Ministry of Defense to deepen and expand local production and reduce defense imports, while developing the defense industrial infrastructure, especially in the Israeli periphery.

Reuven Zada, CEO: "We are nearing the completion of a new factory that will be supplementary the existing one. This includes the addition of 30 computerized CNC machines and a robotic production line, which will bring EMTAN to over 100 machines with the most advanced technology available in the field of weapons production."

Dror Zada, Senior Vice President: "With in-house engineering and development capabilities, backed by production and quick delivery capabilities, our defence and security forces receive an immediate response to any technological requirement in the small arms field that can serve them on the battlefield."

Ron Pollak, VP of Marketing and Sales: "At the beginning of the war, we operated 24/7, Saturdays and holidays included, to meet domestic demands, while also fulfilling all our contracts and commitments to other countries."

In recent months, alarming reports have been published in the media about the intention of major countries, to reduce or halt the supply of weapons to Israel, . However, regarding the production of small arms there has been a clear and encouraging turnaround in the past year, and the local industry has become a strategic asset, with the ability to free Israel from its many years of dependence on imports. EMTAN, as an industry leader in arms manufacturing, presents an optimistic forecast for the future of the small arms industry in Israel.

EMTAN began its journey 47 years ago in Karmiel. From a manufacturer specializing in precision machining, it has become a powerhouse in the development and production of firearms with an international reputation. Reuven Zada, the company's founder and CEO did not imagine a scenario and reality like we have been experiencing since the beginning of the war, but he knew that we have what it takes, here at home, to face the most difficult challenges.

Reuven, ten months into the fighting, where do we find you?

"First of all, I want to express my condolences to the bereaved families, who lost their loved ones. The best of our sons and daughters fell fighting, so that we can continue our lives here. Of course, I would like to wish the injured a prompt recovery and that all those that have been kidnaped will return to us soon. My family and I, along with all our dedicated employees, are busy working at the factory in Karmiel and we will continue to do so for the support of our defence and security forces in this important mission."

How do you feel, personally, when you hear about countries imposing sanctions on Israel?

"First of all, it's sad, because these are countries with which we have strong and well-established defense cooperation, and I want to believe that it will change for the better. Obviously, even more frustrating is the realization that they are under pressure from some parties, which affects their decisions, or at least on the declarative level to satisfy those parties."

Do you think there is cause for concern?

"I can tell you one thing; Israel not only has the right and duty to defend itself – it also has the capability to do so. Ultimately, the fighting is here is in the field, brave soldiers against vile terrorists, and here we made a significant leap that will be talked about for a long time. Since the beginning of the fighting, EMTAN has supplied the largest amount of rifles to the Israeli security and defense forces, more than any other company in Israel and certainly abroad. We're talking about tens of thousands of firearms, an inconceivable amount. In addition, we were able to develop and adapt existing weapons to the demands that arose from the field."

What kind of demands are you referring to?

"We work in full cooperation with the Israeli defence and security forces, and here is also the place to thank them for the complete trust they place in us – the Ministry of National Security, MANHAR (Administration of Procurement and Production), and the Ministry of Defense. To your question, by the term 'field demands' I mean, among other things, the understanding that the fighting is concentrated in urban areas. We have developed and adapted rifles for these needs. For example, a shortened rifle that is suitable for combat in urban areas and tunnels, or a rifle that fires 300 BLK ammunition, which is a caliber with a heavy projectile and increased stopping power that is adapted for combat in dense areas such as city centers, with the ability to silence the weapon."

A considerable increase in the demand for firearms

Zada points out that in the past year there has been a trend in MANHAR (Administration of Procurement and Production) to deepen and expand local production and reduce defense imports, while developing the defense industrial infrastructure. This also creates opportunities for quality jobs in the country in general, especially in the Israeli periphery. EMTAN, located in Karmiel since its founding, never thought of leaving the north, he emphasizes.

"We are here, even with missiles over our heads, and we will not move from here," Zada declares and adds: "We are nearing completion of a new factory that will be supplementary the existing one. This includes an addition of 30 computerized CNC machines and a robotic production line, which will bring EMTAN to over 100 machines with the most advanced technology available in the field of weapons production. We will create dozens of additional jobs and continue to do what we know best – manufacture firearms at the highest level, with strict quality control and uncompromising reliability."

Can you explain what that looks like?

"Firearms are designed to withstand the toughest conditions and tasks. The weapons we supply are designed and developed to meet the demands of the defence and security forces in Israel and abroad such as NATO. Each rifle and pistol undergoes a series of tests at all stages of development, and at the end of the process undergo a wear and endurance tests are conducted under harsh and variable environmental conditions (simulating combat in the desert, the arctic, urban areas and also in jungles).

"In serial production, there is a quality control process from the level of part production to the assembled weapon. In fact, every gun or rifle is operationally fired by skilled professionals, before approval and packaging. Our fighters trust the weapons they receive from us and we are committed to them."

EMTAN also exports weapons abroad. How has the war affected that?

"At the beginning of the war, we operated 24/7, Saturdays and holidays included, to meet domestic demands, while also fulfilling all our contracts and obligations towards other countries," states Ron Pollak, VP of Marketing and Sales at EMTAN. "We are still competing in tenders and the demand has not decreased for a moment, mainly from government agencies which still constitute the largest share of our export transactions."

But still the production for the security forces here is greater?

"Before the war, and mainly due to the financial aid the country received, the ratio was only one Israeli weapon for every ten foreign-made weapons. We complained about this many times in the past and demanded, together with parallel companies, to change this paradigm. Today the situation has almost completely reversed. From the beginning of the war the local industry, with EMTAN at its forefront, has produced and supplied most of the new rifles used by the Israeli and defence security forces. This is beyond all expectations and is decisive proof for the entire industry and the State of Israel in terms of establishing our strength and independence in this sphere. I assure you that many countries are watching this and it will create business opportunities in the future.

"Also in the civilian market, we see a considerable increase in the demand for pistols, and almost half of them go for personal protection and private security companies. Ultimately, we provide huge quantities of high-quality firearms that have proven themselves in the field. Those who need them will not wait for stock renewals and we must meet the demand. This is a goal we have set for ourselves as a leading company in the field."

Production line for Israeli made silencers

I ask Dror Zada, Senior Vice President at EMTAN, what they are working on these days, within the limits of what can be shared. "Obviously, we cannot reveal research and development strategies, but I can say that EMTAN has become a source of knowledge and development for the Israeli security forces in all matters related to small arms and their accessories. With in-house engineering and development capabilities, backed by production and zero-time delivery capabilities, our security forces receive an immediate response to any small arms technological requirement that can serve them on the battlefield."

"Today EMTAN is a technological leader in everything related to weapon sound suppressors. Urban combat has advanced the need for suppressors. EMTAN proudly leads a production line of" Made in Israel" suppressors that meet US SOCOM (Special Operations Command) standards, developed for and in cooperation with the Israeli defence and security forces. We supply suppressors for all rifles and pistols, including calibers 7.62 mm, 9 mm, 5.56 mm and 300BLK, and we have passed all possible tests in the field."

And what are the results on the ground from using these new means?

"The feedback is excellent. We work alongside the forces in integrating these weapons and components. Our customers know that there is someone they can trust, just as we trust them. Ultimately, the regular and reserve soldiers who are fighting bravely today are the ones who will grow to lead and guide the country in the next 50 years. It's a great honor for us to support them and serve them with the weapons we produced here for them."

Reuven, where do you see the industry in the next two years?

"The State of Israel's security independence depends on our industry. It was once said: 'Sometimes you have to pick up your weapon in order to be able to lay it down,' and I am a firm believer in that. Our deterrence capability, which was so damaged on October 7th, has grown stronger since then, also thanks to the equipping of small arms for the security forces and emergency squads. I also see a huge increase in demand for jobs in the tech-defense industries, alongside the opening of new factories like the one we are establishing in Karmiel and the addition of jobs. I hear about young people who have returned from reserve service, determined to act in civilian life and who want to switch professions and enter this field. It warms the heart and every day that EMTAN delivers weapons to the front is a victory for us. I have no doubt that in the new reality that has been imposed on us, we will have the upper hand, and we will prove to the whole world, and also to ourselves here, that we have someone to rely on. In war and afterwards."

In collaboration with EMTAN