Israeli companies demonstrated a high profile in DEFEXPO, evident to the warming relations between India and Israel and the growing volume of defense exports between the two countries. One of the hottest issues was UAVs – India has already bought Searcher and Heron systems from IAI. The company displayed here a wide range of payloads that can be fitted with these UAVs, including a SAR, maritime patrol radar and ESM payloads. More Israeli companies are trying to interest India in UAV designs – in this year’s event, both Elbit Systems and RAFAEL demonstrated their UAV capabilities, with the introduction of the miniature Skylark systems. (Both RAFAEL and Elbit chose the same name for their mini UAV programs). Another miniature UAV – I-SEE was unveiled here, for the first time by IAI. Elbit has also brought a full scale model of the Hermes 180 close range UAV, designed for brigade and division level. EMIT brought to India its field proven systems, including the Blue Horizon and Sparrow. Another new system from Elbit was the tactical satellite communications terminal, demonstrated here I live operation for the first time. The system resulted from cooperation between Elbit and Gilat Satellite Communications Company. It can link to any satellite and integrate tactical networks with voice or data communications, over long ranges via satellite relays. Elbit has also developed and tested a special podded satellite link, mounted on top of the fuselage of medium and large UAVs such as the Hermes 1500 and Hermes 450. This installation does not limit the range or performance of the UAV but extends it range to the maximum range, well beyond the communications range of existing terrestrial datalinks. RAFAEL also presented the Stalker system, proposed for border security and tactical surveillance roles.
Countering the UAS Threat
Tamir Eshel - 0
The ongoing wars in Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and the Middle East have emphasized drones as a new and rapidly changing tool of warfare. First manifested in the US war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the...
Iron Swords War – Air Defense Challenge
Tamir Eshel - 0
Unlike the land campaign in Gaza that involved mostly ground forces on both sides, most activities on other fronts were conducted in the aerial domain, which tasked Israeli air defense forces to spread out their assets, learn to adapt and improve under fire, and engage different threats, the new techniques, and tactics developed by the enemy. This article outlines Israel's current and evolving air and missile defense capabilities in retrospect of the recent events.
The Evolving Role of Military Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
Tamir Eshel - 0
Recent combat operations have demonstrated the profound influence of unmanned aerial vehicles on recent warfare. This article highlights the new roles and utilization of UAS in ISR, logistics and attack, leveraging hybrid designs of VTOL, fixed wing, ICE and electric propulsion.
AFV Situational Awareness in the Urban Battlespace
Tamir Eshel - 0
Armored fighting vehicles face other challenges when operating in urban combat. They are exposed to snipers or anti-tank teams operating from elevated positions on rooftops or accessing underground shafts too close for the crew...
Israel’s Indoor Surveillance and Attack Drones
Tamir Eshel - 0
Operating drones low above ground and in complex terrain represents unique challenges, as most drone controls are limited to line of sight and uninterrupted satellite-based navigation. To endure in a GNSS-contested environment and operate indoors or underground, standard drones would not operate in such conditions. The drone platforms specially designed for subterranean or indoor environments require unique networking, sensing, navigation, and controls to enable such operations. Since these missions are complex and the drones are small, they are used in mission-specific roles such as autonomous mappers, FPV-operated lead elements, and armed effectors.