Yeruham Positions Itself as Israel’s UAV Innovation Hub
With the launch of the SkyTech Center, backed by government funding, the city is set to become a key player in UAV and drone development, manufacturing, and testing
Photo: Avner Sher Architects
Yeruham is positioning itself as a key player in Israel’s UAV and drone industry. A new innovation and production center dedicated to UAV and drone development, tailored to the needs of the defense sector, is set to be built in the city.
SkyTech Center, developed by Cannovation Center Israel, will span 5,000 square meters and feature production and assembly lines, research and development laboratories, advanced testing sites, a logistics center, a training facility, private-label services, and collaborative spaces for tailored product development. The Israeli Ministry of Economy has allocated 12.5 million NIS to support its establishment.
Israel is home to more than 150 UAV and drone technology companies, many of which stand to benefit from SkyTech’s specialized industrial services, including manufacturing, private-label solutions, access to advanced infrastructure, strategic consulting, business development, funding support, potential investments, and international collaborations.
Yeruham is solidifying its status as Israel’s UAV and drone hub, bolstered by a government-funded national UAV and drone flight-testing field developed in collaboration with the military and the Ministry of Transport. The city has also integrated a specialized drone technology and training program into its education system, attracting UAV and drone companies seeking to expand their presence. The SkyTech Center is expected to further strengthen this ecosystem and position Yeruham as a global destination for UAV and drone innovation.
Ora Elharar Soffer, Chairwoman and CEO of Cannovation Center Israel and founder of SkyTech, stated that “The SkyTech Center reflects our vision to create an innovative and collaborative ecosystem for the UAV and drone industry, offering Israeli production infrastructure and solutions for the defense sector. We are building strong partnerships with the defense industry, technology companies, entrepreneurs, and global industry leaders, creating a network that drives advancements in UAV and drone solutions.
'I would like to extend my thanks to the Ministry of Economy for their generous grant support and to the Yeruham Council for their collaboration, which has supported our vision for SkyTech to become a leading global innovation center delivering next-generation solutions for the growing UAV and drone industry," Elharar Soffer added.
Adv. Nili Aharon, Head of the Yeruham Local Council, views the SkyTech Center as a milestone in the city’s transformation into a hub for innovation and economic growth. She emphasized the city's commitment to fostering a supportive business environment with reduced bureaucracy and strong backing for entrepreneurs and innovators. According to Aharon, "SkyTech, led by Ms. Ora Elharar Soffer, a long-time supporter of Yeruham’s growth, further solidifies the city’s role as a leader in the UAV and drone industry.”
Alon Unger, Chairman and Founder of UVID and national UAV SME (subject matter expert), highlighted the sector’s strategic significance: “The UAV sector is a vital economic and strategic asset, especially in light of recent conflicts such as the Swords of Iron War and the war in Ukraine.
"With over 50 years of Israeli leadership in UAV technology, the new SkyTech Center in Yeruham will drive national growth by fostering entrepreneurship and shaping a comprehensive strategy. It will integrate military, defense, civilian, and dual-use applications through collaborations with industry, academia, government, and the military, reinforcing Israel’s independence and resilience in this critical field.”
