Anduril picks ex-Israel Air Force chief Amikam Norkin to lead Israel operations
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What happened
Globes reported on September 1, 2026 that Anduril had chosen Gen. (res.) Amikam Norkin to head its operations in Israel. The report said the appointment had not yet been officially announced, and it did not say when he would take office or how the role would fit with his work at Ace Capital Partners, where he is a managing partner. Norkin commanded the Israel Air Force from 2017 to 2022 and earlier headed the IDF Planning Department. Globes said his Air Force tenure included procuring F-35 aircraft.
According to Globes, Norkin would manage Anduril's relationship with the Ministry of Defense and the IDF, promote the company's product sales in Israel and develop collaborations with local defense firms. The search had run for the past few months, and Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Abulafia, a former head of the IDF Planning Department, was another candidate. Anduril cofounder and CEO Brian Schimpf visited Israel at the end of June to meet candidates and officials. Globes also said senior Anduril officials had met Elbit and Rafael, and that the company had discussed collaborations, investments and acquisitions with Israeli firms.
Key points
- Globes reported on Sep 1, 2026 that Anduril chose Amikam Norkin to head its Israel activity; the appointment was not yet officially announced.1
- Norkin commanded the Israel Air Force from 2017 to 2022 and is a managing partner at Ace Capital Partners.1
- The role covers relations with the Ministry of Defense and the IDF, product sales and partnerships with local defense firms.1
- Globes said Anduril officials met Elbit and Rafael, and the company discussed collaborations, investments and acquisitions.1
Why it matters
Globes describes the role as owning the relationship with the Ministry of Defense and the IDF. That points to Israel as a possible new revenue source, though the report states no contracts or sales figures.
Globes says Anduril discussed collaborations, investments and acquisitions with Israeli firms, and cited its joint work with Elbit on offering the Sigma 155 howitzer to the US Army. The hire is a step toward a local presence, not a completed deal.
The appointment rests on one outlet's report and had not been officially announced at publication. Start date and terms were not disclosed.
In context
| Round | Date | Post-money valuation | Raised | Led by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series B | Sep 11, 2019 | $1.0B | $127M | Unknown |
| Series C | Jul 1, 2020 | $1.9B | $200M | Andreessen Horowitz |
| Series D | Jun 17, 2021 | $4.6B | $450M | Elad Gil |
| Series E | Dec 2, 2022 | $8.5B | $1.5B | Valor Equity Partners |
| Series F | Aug 8, 2024 | $14B | $1.5B | Founders Fund and Sands Capital |
| Series G | Jun 5, 2025 | $31B | $2.5B | Founders Fund |
| Series H | May 13, 2026 | $61B | $5.0B | Andreessen Horowitz and Thrive Capital |
Updated
Fact-check
- Globes reported on September 1, 2026 that Anduril chose Amikam Norkin to head its Israel operations.Confirmed by [1] Globes: the article, published September 1, 2026, reports the choice of Gen. (res.) Amikam Norkin to head Anduril's activity in Israel.Verified
- The appointment had not been officially announced, and the start date was unclear.Confirmed by [1] Globes: it says the appointment has not yet been officially announced and that it is unclear when Norkin will take the role.Verified
- Norkin commanded the Israel Air Force from 2017 to 2022, earlier headed the IDF Planning Department, and is a managing partner at Ace Capital Partners.Confirmed by [1] Globes: it gives his Air Force command as 2017 to 2022 after heading the Planning Department, and his role as managing partner at Ace Capital Partners.Verified
- The role covers relations with the Ministry of Defense and the IDF, product sales in Israel and collaborations with local defense firms.Confirmed by [1] Globes, which describes these responsibilities.Verified
- Anduril cofounder and CEO Brian Schimpf visited Israel at the end of June, and senior officials met Elbit and Rafael.Confirmed by [1] Globes: it reports Schimpf's end-of-June visit and meetings with Elbit, Rafael and other executives, and discussions of collaborations, investments and acquisitions.Verified
Sources
- [1]Globes (opens in a new tab)Anduril to appoint Amiram Norkin to head Israel activityhas not yet been officially announced
