Elbit Systems is expanding its European footprint: the company’s Swedish subsidiary announced today it plans to establish a manufacturing and maintenance center in Sweden for laser warning systems. This will be Elbit’s first facility in Europe dedicated to these systems.
The center is expected to begin operations in 2027. The company did not disclose the investment amount, planned production capacity, or number of employees to be hired.
The new center will produce laser warning systems installed on military aircraft, vehicles, and naval vessels. These systems detect laser beams aimed at the platform, locate the source, and alert the crew so they can take defensive measures. The laser beam may be used to mark the platform as a target for a guided missile or projectile. It’s important to note these are passive warning and defense systems, not laser weapons.
The center will focus on the next generation of Elbit’s passive systems. According to the company, the new architecture includes fewer components, requires fewer modifications to the platform on which it’s installed, and integrates with existing command and control systems. The company’s systems already serve militaries worldwide as part of self-defense suites for military platforms. The center will handle assembly, system integration, maintenance, and lifecycle support for European customers. As part of the move, Elbit plans to transfer the relevant technologies to Sweden.
Expansion Beyond Israel
Elbit Systems Sweden was established in 2020 and currently employs more than 100 people across four sites, with headquarters in Gothenburg. The subsidiary serves as a regional hub for Elbit’s operations in Northern Europe and has collaborated with the Swedish military in recent years on defense and digitization projects.
Establishing the center fits into Elbit’s broader strategy to expand manufacturing operations outside Israel. “This is an important step for us,” said Tobias Wennberg, CEO of Elbit Systems Sweden, adding that the move reflects the company’s commitment to local development, supply, and production.