930

  • Issue: August 2013
  • Designer: Meir Eshel
  • Stamp Size: 30 mm x 40 mm
  • Plate no.: 922
  • Security mark: Microtext
  • Sheet of 15 stamps, Tabs: 5
  • Printers: Joh. Enschede, The Netherlands
  • Method of printing: Offset

Israel Military Industries (IMI) was established in 1933 as the forerunner of Israel's security industries, becoming a key weapons and munitions supplier for the nation in the making.

Since Israel's independence in 1948 and throughout all its years of operation, IMI has served as the primary weapons and munitions supplier for the IDF's land, air and naval forces, as they battled in all of Israel's wars. IMI has developed unique products, based on creative thinking and innovative technology, in order to provide a high-quality effective response to the State of Israel's security needs. IMI constitutes a key element in maintaining the IDF's independence, reducing Israel's dependence on foreign weaponry.

IMI first began its operations in underground production facilities throughout the country, such as the clandestine Ayalon Institute, which operated right under the noses of the British Mandate forces at Givat Hakibbutzim (Kibbutzim Hill). IMI has come a long way since the British Mandate era, serving as a Ministry of Defense support unit from 1949-1990 and becoming a government company, fully owned by the State of Israel in 1990 - including subsidiaries Ashot Ashkelon Industries Ltd. and the IMI Academy for Security and Anti-terror Doctrine & Training. The company employs nearly 3,500 employees in five divisions located all over the country, from the northern city of Kiryat Shmona to Beer Sheba in the south.

IMI is positioned among the world's leading weapons suppliers. The company is proud of its skilled, highly-qualified employees and considers them to be a key asset - one that allows it to compete successfully with global weapon industry giants.
The combination of know-how, creativity, advanced technologies and a drive for excellence, enable IMI to develop and supply innovative weapons systems and advanced defense systems, which provide solutions for a wide range of future combat needs to the IDF, as well as other security entities and foreign militaries.

This stamp features two of the company's unique products, which illustrate its position at the forefront of technology.

Avi Felder
President & CEO Israel Military Industries (IMI)

Description of the Stamp
The nose of the EXTRA artillery missile (at the bottom of the stamp) represents a new generation of revolutionary artillery missiles, capable of accurate and precise attack of targets at various ranges. Large numbers of EXTRA missiles have been exported in recent years to numerous countries around the world.

DELILAH (at the top of the stamp) is an air-to-surface missile with precision strike capabilities against both fixed and moving enemy targets, with a maximum range of over 200 km - beyond the range of anti-aircraft weaponry, and minimal risk to aircrews. DELILAH performed successfully during the Second Lebanon War, as part of the IDF's efforts to destroy long-range missiles aimed at Israel.

The stamp tab features a photo of women working at the IMI Ayalon Institute that operated from 1945-1948. Photograph by the late Yehoshua Ayalon.

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IMI - Israel Military Industries