| One big advantage of home producing equipment is that it can be tailored to fit your needs. For example Israel places a very high priority on conserving manpower. The Merkava is easily the most battle proof tank in the world not to mention that the ability to double as an APC to further protect not only the tank's crew but infantry as well.
While the Hyundai K1 produced by South Korea is not only cheaper then the Abrams, but it's specifically created for mountain combat. It's gun can be greatly depressed to fire down a slope and its small size allows it to better navigate through the terrain of Korea.
Of course in some situations weaponry is home grown just to bolster the local economy. However that isn't always the case. |