Introduction
Despite the formal halt of Israeli arms exports to Russia, recent investigations reveal that Israeli dual-use technologies, including cybersecurity tools, metalworking equipment, and satellite systems, have continued to reach Russia through direct and indirect channels. Israel maintains security coordination with Russia, particularly in Syria, and has avoided imposing sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Israel’s arms and technology exports to Ukraine remain limited.
Israel-Russia Relations
Diplomatic relations between Israel and Russia were established in 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.[1]Embassy of Israel in Moscow, Bilateral relations, 25.07.2024 Russia has an embassy in Tel Aviv and a consulate in Haifa. Israel has an embassy in Moscow and a consulate-general in Saint Petersburg.[2]Wikipedia, Israel–Russia relations
Over the years, Israel has adopted a policy of strategic ambiguity toward Russia. Unlike most Western countries that imposed sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Israel refrained from joining the sanctions regime and maintained diplomatic and security dialogue.[3]Chatham House, Israel’s complicated but strategic relationship with Russia could strengthen with Trump in the White House, 16.04.2025
Economic Relations
Trade between Israel and Russia exceeded $5 Billion in both 2018 and 2019. In October 2019, Russian president Putin announced that his country is working on a possible free trade zone with Israel.[4]The Jerusalem Post, Russia-Israel trade exceeds $5 billion for second year running, 28.01.2020
In 2011, Israel and Russia signed the Space Cooperation Agreement. The framework agreement was intended to develop joint research programs and other collaborations in areas like astrophysical and planetary research, space biology and medicine, navigational satellites and launch services and technology.[5]Haaretz, Israel Russia Sign Space Agency Cooperation Agreement, 28.3.2011 Since 2011 there is no information indicating development of Russian-Israeli cooperation around space technology.[6]INSS, The development of economic and trade relations between Israel and Russia – a view from Moscow, March 2022
Since the 1990s, Israel and Russia have pursued various initiatives in scientific and technological cooperation. Between 2006 and 2021, five joint funding rounds were launched by Israel’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, supporting dozens of bilateral projects in fields such as nanomaterials, physics, green energy, and medical technologies.[7]INSS, The development of economic and trade relations between Israel and Russia – a view from Moscow, March 2022
In 2005, the Israeli company Gilat Satellite Networks signed a contract for the supply of ground-based satellite communications equipment for Russia.[8]Jewish.ru, Gilat will supply satellite ground equipment “Post of Russia”, 29.06.2005
In 2011, Russia’s Skolkovo innovation center established a branch in Israel, the Israel-Skolkovo Gateway/Center (IsraelSK), which involves raising private capital and government grants leveraging for Israeli and Russian start-up companies.[9]Israel Skolkvo Gateway, We promote cooperation between Israeli startups and Russian Silicon Valley – Skolkovo, 2011
In 2013, Rusnano, the Russian government’s vehicle for investments in nanotechnology, also established a branch in Israel, to invest in Israeli nanotechnology ventures.[10]Marchmont Innovation News, Rusnano Israel to help Russia’s Rusnano cultivate Israeli nanotech developers, 30.10.2013
Russian tech companies including Yandex (2014) and Kaspersky Lab (2015) established R&D centers in Israel. Yandex also opened a computer science school in Israel for local students, in collaboration with Tel Aviv University’s department of Computer Science. At the same time, Israeli companies such as Teva opened facilities and pursued partnerships in Russia. In 2020, ISERD and Rusnano issued a joint call for R&D projects.[11]INSS, The development of economic and trade relations between Israel and Russia – a view from Moscow, March 2022[12]9 TV, Russians will teach Israelis: Yandex opens School of data analysis in Israel, 24.07.2018
According to the database by KSE institute in 2025 some Israeli companies continued operating in Russia.[13]leave-russia.org
Military and Security Relations
Despite tensions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its alliances with hostile actors to Israel, military and defense ties between Israel and Russia have persisted in various forms over the years. While formal arms exports ceased after 2016 due to U.S. pressure, cooperation in Syria continued, and recent investigations suggest Israeli dual-use technologies may still be reaching Russia through indirect channels.
Secret security coordination between Israel and Russia dates back to the Soviet era, with continuous contact between the countries’ intelligence services since the 1970s. This cooperation has persisted into the present, primarily focused on developments in Syria.[14]INSS, “I want to say, so that you understand this well — we will never leave the Middle East, because we are part of the Middle East” An Interview with Ephraim Halevi, March 2022
According to diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks, US officials believed that Russia and Israel had exchanged intelligence on Iranian and Georgian technology. Israel allegedly provided “data link codes” on Georgia’s Israeli-made Hermes 450 drones in return for Russian information on Iran’s nuclear defense systems.[15]Middle East Eye, ANALYSIS: Drone deals heighten military ties between Israel and Russia, 04.10.2015
The most significant military cooperation between Russia and Israel revolves around Syria. In 2015, a coordination and de-escalation system was created after the Russian intervention in Syria.[16]Moscow on the Mediterranean: Russia and Israel’s Relationship In 2018 Russian sources reported that the apparatus consists of an operational hotline between the Russian air force command at Khmeimim in Syria and the Israel Air Force operations center in Tel Aviv. The hotline is used to exchange urgent information and to schedule military-to-military meetings between senior officers. There is also direct communication between the Russian and Israeli deputy chiefs of staff and regular communication at multiple levels of the respective military establishments.[17]Moscow on the Mediterranean: Russia and Israel’s Relationship
In 2025, Israel continues to maintain military and security ties with Russia despite Moscow’s support for hostile groups like Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, and despite Israel’s declarations against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Israeli officials cite security considerations, particularly Russia’s military presence in Syria, as the reason. Reports indicate Israel lobbied Washington to preserve Russian bases in Syria to counter Turkish influence. Russia and Iran continue to coordinate in support of Assad’s regime.[18]Chatham House, Israel’s complicated but strategic relationship with Russia could strengthen with Trump in the White House, 16.04.2025[19]Reuters, Exclusive: Israel lobbies US to keep Russian bases in a ‘weak’ Syria, sources say, 28.02.2025 Meanwhile, Israel has refrained from supplying Ukraine with weapons and advanced defense systems, although it has transferred through the US older systems, such as decommissioned Patriot batteries from the 1990s.[20]Military Watch Magazine, Israel Replenishes Ukrainian Patriot Air Defence Arsenals After Heavy Combat Losses, 10.06.2020[21]The Kyev Independent, Israeli Foreign Ministry denies sending Patriot systems to Ukraine amid conflicting claims, 10.06.2025
Military Technology Cooperation and Arms Sales
Since the 1990s there have been several attempts to establish Israeli-Russian cooperation in military technology and joint ventures in arms development. One failed example was a 1997 collaboration between the Russian-state arms exporter Rosvooruzheniye and the Israeli company ELTA to develop airborne warning systems, to install Israel’s Phalcon radar system on upgraded IL‑76 transport aircraft. In 1999, a $250 million deal was signed with the Chinese Air Force to purchase the jointly developed Israeli-Russian system. However, due to U.S. pressure, Israel was forced to cancel the agreement. As the lead company in the project, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) had to pay a $10 million penalty, suffering not only financial loss but also reputational damage. Later, the same partnership successfully secured and executed a contract with the Indian Ministry of Defense.[22]INSS, The development of economic and trade relations between Israel and Russia – a view from Moscow, March 2022
In 2004, Russia bought the Aeronautics’ Aerostar UAV, in the first defense purchase from Israel.[23]Globes, Russia makes first defense purchase from Israel, 19.09.2004
In April 2009, Moscow bought its first batch of UAVs from Israel Aerospace Industries, in a $54 million deal including BirdEye 400s and Searcher 2s. The second purchase came later in the same year, including an additional 36 aircraft worth $100 million.[24]Flight Global, Russia developing unmanned Forpost-M, 21.03.2017
In September 2010, Russia and Israel signed a framework agreement on military cooperation, which Russia’s defense minister suggested could pave the way for additional purchases of Israeli weapons and technology.[25]Reuters, Russia, Israel sign military cooperation deal, 06.09.2010[26]Palestine Chronicle, Russia, Israel Sign $400mn Drone Deal, 14.10.2010
In 2010, Russia signed a third deal with IAI, valued at $400 million, to purchase more spy drones and acquire the rights to assemble the Russian version of Searcher UAV in Russia. Since then, the drone has entered service in the Russian military under the name “Forpost R”.[27]Flight Global, Russia developing unmanned Forpost-M, 21.03.2017[28]Walla News, Ukraine presents: We shot down two Israeli-made UAVs used by Russia, 08.07.2025[29]Haaretz, Israel Signs $400 Million Deal to Sell Spy Drones to Russia,14.10.2010
Russian sources say another deal was signed in late 2015, covering an army order totaling $320 million.[30]Flight Global, Russia developing unmanned Forpost-M, 21.03.2017 While other sources claim the 2014-2015 negotiations on UAV deal fell through, allegedly due to American sensitivities about the use of drones in Ukraine. [31]Moscow on the Mediterranean: Russia and Israel’s Relationship In 2014 Israel’s Ministry of Defense ordered all Israeli UAV manufacturers to halt negotiations for new contracts in Russia.[32]Flight Global, Israel blocks further UAS sales to Russia, 04.08.2014
In 2016, Israel’s Ministry of Defense, as a result of pressure imposed by the US administration, decided to stop the license assembly of Israeli UAV in Russia.[33]Defense 24, Israeli Drones Will No Longer Be Manufactured in Russia. USA-imposed Embargo, 21.04.2016 However, experts doubt Israel had fully canceled all supplies of drone components to Russia.[34]Euro Maidan, Western sanctions cause “huge problems” for Russia’s war sector (but Israel probably still supplies drone parts) – military expert, 10.12.2021 Recently, an armed version of the Forpost UAV equipped with missiles was unveiled by Russia.[35]Walla News, Ukraine presents: We shot down two Israeli-made UAVs used by Russia, 08.07.2025
Dual Use or Military Technology Sales in Recent Years
Cooperation on drone technology between Israel and Russia has officially ended, and no significant military exports have been reported in recent years, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.[36]Moscow on the Mediterranean: Russia and Israel’s Relationship[37]INSS, The development of economic and trade relations between Israel and Russia – a view from Moscow, March 2022 However, investigations by The Insider and independent journalists indicate that Israeli military or dual-use equipment and technology has continued to reach Russia, both directly and via third countries.[38]Bulgarian Military, Russia’s war machine uses Israeli tools despite sanctions, 16.04.2025[39]The Insider, American and Israeli-made next-generation firewalls reach Russia via middlemen across Asia in violation of U.S. embargo, 03.03.2025
May 2024: Slidstvo.Info investigated customs data for 2023 and reported that $5 million worth of satellite Internet communications systems manufactured in Ukraine for the Israeli corporation Gilat Satellite Networks were imported into Russia for military use.[40]Slidstvo.info, Satellite Systems Produced in Ukraine May End Up in The Russian Army. They are Officially Supplied to Russia by an Israeli Pentagon Contractor, 13.05.2024 After the publication of the investigation, the Ukrainian manufacturer Jabil Circuit Ukraine Limited announced it had halt all production and deliveries to Gilat Satellite Networks.[41]Slidstvo.info, Ukrainian-Based Manufacturer Jabil Halts Supplies to Client Supporting Russian War Effort After Slidstvo.Info Exposé, 17.05.2024
March 2025: The Insider reported that network security devices from the Israeli company Check Point Software Technologies worth over $3 million were imported into Russia via a wide range of countries, from Sri Lanka to Malaysia. Among the imported devices were firewalls designed to protect corporate networks from external threats. Check Point denied involvement in any sales to Russia.[42]The Insider, American and Israeli-made next-generation firewalls reach Russia via middlemen across Asia in violation of U.S. embargo, 03.03.2025
March 2025: The human rights group Perviy Otdel has reported that Cellebrite’s UFED devices are still used by Russia, despite the company officially ending its business operations with the country, often obtained through indirect channels.[43]The Insider, Russia’s state security forces face shortage of smartphone hacking equipment due to sanctions, 10.03.2025
April 2025: An investigation by The Insider and United24 Media revealed that throughout 2024, several Israeli companies supplied high-precision metalworking tools, valued at over $10 million, to Russia’s defense sector. These companies include: ISCAR, Vargus, Carmex Precision Tools, and EROJET. About half of those tools were exported directly from Israel to Russia, the other half were routed through China and Uzbekistan.[44]Bulgarian Military, Russia’s war machine uses Israeli tools despite sanctions, 16.04.2025
March 2026: The Moscow Times reported that video analytics software by the Israeli BriefCam has been discovered operating within several high-profile Russian facilities. The discovery this technology is still in use despite the sanctions raise concern. According to industry insiders, local distributors continue to supply and maintain the products through illicit “gray” import schemes or by installing cracked, pirated versions of the software.[45]United 24 Media, Israeli Software Used to Assassinate Ayatollah Khamenei Uncovered in Russian Surveillance Networks, 13.03.2026[46]The Moscow Times, В российских системах видеонаблюдения нашли израильское ПО, с помощью которого убили аятоллу … Continue reading
Participation of Israeli Companies at Arms Fairs:
MAKS 2019 – Israel company “ALD” participated.
Usage of Israeli Arms
Bird Eye 400, I-View: Used by Russian Federation authorities.
Searcher II (by IAI): Used as the Forpost (Форпост) licensed copy by Russian Federation authorities.
In May 2015, Russian Forpost drone was downed by Ukraine.[47]Russian-owned Israeli UAV downed in Ukraine[48]Proof Russian military drones used in Ukraine Other reports showed photographs of crashed Forpost UAVs in the Donetsk Oblast from August 2014 [49]Five Downed Russian Drones in Ukraine
In July 2018 a Russian “Forpost” UAV was found on a field close to the village of Barqah, about 12 kilometres far from the Israeli side of the Golan heights (Syria).[50]Defence-Blog, Israeli interceptor missile shot down Russian unmanned air vehicle, 16.07.2018[51]Military Leak, IDF fires Patriot missile toward Russian UAV approaching Golan heights, 18.07.2018
In 2023 videos showed the crash of the Forpost-RU UAV, produced in Russia under the license of IAI, in the Belgorod region in Russia. The drone was armed with a KAB-20 bomb.[52]Video shows armed drone crashing into powerlines in Russia
In July 2025, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense published a video on the social media platform X showing the interception of two Russian Forpost UAVs.[53]X social platform, Defense of Ukraine, 05.07.2025
UFED (Cellebrite): documents link Cellebrite’s technology with the persecution of minority groups in Russia. Cellebrite’s technology was used to target the LGBTQ community, opposition forces and minorities in Russia by its Investigative Committee. The Investigative Committee, which has been persecuting Alexey Navalny, Pussy Riot, and LGBTQ+ activist Yulia Tsvetkova, among others, bragged about using Cellebrite’s technology more than 26,000 times. Under pressure from human rights activists, including Eitay Mack, Cellebrite announced in March 2021 that it will halt sales to Russia.[54]Haaretz, Israeli Phone-hacking Firm Cellebrite Vowed Not to Sell to Sanctioned Countries. So What’s It Doing in Belarus?, 18.08.2020
The human rights group Perviy Otdel has reported that Russian security forces use Cellebrite’s UFED devices to hack mobile phones at border crossings. Although Cellebrite officially ended its business with Russia, its technology is still used, often obtained through indirect channels.[55]The Insider, Russia’s state security forces face shortage of smartphone hacking equipment due to sanctions, 10.03.2025
Another potential Russian use of Israeli cyber technology is by the spyware Pegasus (NSO group): In September 2023 the Citizen Lab together with Access Now published an investigation into the hacking of exiled Russian investigative journalist Galina Timchenko’s iPhone. They analyzed forensic artifacts and found with high confidence that in February, 2023 it was infected with NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware.[56]Access Now, Hacking Meduza: Pegasus spyware used to target Putin’s critic, 13.09.2023 A later investigation expanded into the possible targeting of Russian and Belarusian-speaking independent media and political opposition and identifies seven such individuals living outside of Belarus and Russia who were targeted and/or infected with Pegasus spyware. In both investigations the operator’s name was not disclosed.[57]The Citizen Lab, By Whose Authority? Pegasus targeting of Russian & Belarusian-speaking opposition activists and independent media in Europe, 30.05.2024