A few leaders have burdens that go far beyond their work stations, shaping the security of nations, the trajectory of technology, and the aspirations of generations to come. Boaz Levi is such a leader. His career is a demonstration of a lifelong interest in flight, space, and defense systems, with an ironclad dedication to the security of Israel and a vision for the global aerospace industry. As President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Boaz has established a legacy not just of technology breakthrough but of service, teamwork, and empowerment.
Dreaming of Space, Building a Career in Defense
Boaz’s interest in flight started when he was young. “Since I can remember, I used to dream about working with bodies in motion through space; it always seemed to me like an interesting and intriguing occupation,” he remembers. Serving in the Israeli Air Force provided him with his initial knowledge of missile technology, a field that became his vocation.
Majoring in aeronautical engineering, he was one of the first to graduate with dual experience in both aeronautics and space. “Anyone that comes up in missile engineering learns to deal with a whole lot of data and check themselves meticulously before each move. God is in the details, and a missile engineer does not get a second shot at correcting them,” he says.
Redefining Success as a Leader
Success for Boaz is never just about financial outcomes. Rather, it occurs on three levels: the protection of Israel, global partnerships, and the welfare of individuals in his organization.
“Success is to meet our national task, provide the technological means that guarantee Israel’s security and strategic superiority,” he explains. Meanwhile, international acclaim is a testament to IAI as a leader among pioneering partners in aerospace and defense. Above all, Boaz derives meaning from individuals. A company whose staff feel motivated, enabled, and fulfilled is, to him, the greatest measure of success.
Planning for the Future of Modern Warfare
For Boaz, defense leadership is about the future. “Planning one or two moves ahead is certainly not good enough,” he declares. The company is always looking over the horizon beyond current problems, planning for wars that have yet to be fought, and fitting into changing geopolitical environments.
This long-term vision also informs its international partnerships. “Every customer, whether in Israel or overseas, who purchases our systems is aware that we are with them not only at the moment of purchase but when they are struggling and need us, whether in wartime or not,” Boaz says. This loyalty and presence ethos consolidates trust beyond borders.
The Night the Arrow 3 Proved Itself
Few moments define a leader’s career as powerfully as the April 2024 Iranian missile attack. For the first time, the Arrow 3 system, developed under Boaz’s guidance, faced a real-life threat.
“30 years of development and excellence culminated in one dramatic night,” he remembers. Over one hundred ballistic missiles were fired, some at civilian targets. “We knew we had less time than we had rehearsed, and that an actual war game was underway.” The successful repelling demonstrated both the robustness of the system and the commitment of the individuals behind it. For Boaz, it was a success created by discipline, foresight, and national responsibility.
Grounded by Family and Purpose
High-stakes leadership has the tendency to be all-consuming, but Boaz is kept grounded by purpose. “At IAI, everything we do ties back to Israel’s security and to defining the future of aerospace, and this burden reminds me of the larger mission beyond day-to-day pressure constantly,” he states.
Strength is also provided by family. Boaz thanks his wife for her patience and understanding during his demanding life. “I desire to express my most sincere appreciation to my wife, who bears with great patience to live with my absence during such a large portion of the time,” he reflects.
Collaboration as a Bridge Across Borders
In the globalized world of today, collaboration for Boaz is a must. “For us, collaboration is not merely a business approach; it is a means to expand trust and value beyond borders,” he explains. IAI invests in co-development initiatives, joint ventures, and technology transfers that honor national priorities and world trust. For Boaz, partnerships are credibility, innovation, and common progress.
Decision-Making in a World of Complexity
Balancing national security, technological leadership, and international competitiveness is at the core of Boaz’s role. National priorities always come first, but innovation is essential to maintaining an edge. “We invest heavily in fostering partnerships with universities and startups, and encourage creative thinking within our teams,” he explains. The final step is ensuring these innovations are competitive globally, through world-class quality, reliability, and collaboration.
Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders
Boaz thinks that leadership is all about equipping others to succeed. He seeks out potential leaders with a combination of excellence, integrity, curiosity, and vision. “Technical excellence and solid performance are critical, but only the beginning,” he comments. Integrity, accountability, and innovation are just as important, combined with empathy and resilience.
He also highlights legacy not just in technology but in human beings. “My legacy should be measured not just by the technologies that we build but by the people who push them forward,” he says. Motivating the next generation to dream big, innovate constantly, and lead with purpose is his greatest aspiration.
To those aspiring to be leaders in aerospace and defense, Boaz Levi provides both encouragement and advice. “This business is not just about cutting-edge technologies, it’s about protecting countries, enabling global security, and defining the future of human ingenuity,” he explains. His advice is to remain curious, learn forever, and expand knowledge beyond technicalities to encompass strategy, operations, and leadership. Above all, he reminds them that leadership is not about knowledge but about people and the power to build trust.
A Legacy of Vision and Service
Boaz Levi’s journey, from a young dreamer fascinated by space to a leader shaping the global defense industry, reflects vision, resilience, and purpose. His leadership demonstrates the balance between national duty, global innovation, and the empowerment of people. Whether recalling the Arrow 3’s first combat use, building collaborations across borders, or nurturing future leaders, Boaz’s story is one of service and impact. His legacy will not just be known by the sophisticated systems that guard states but also by the generations of leaders he has encouraged to pursue the mission with courage and lucidity.
