After being one of the prospects for European fighter manufacturers in recent years Bulgaria has recently decided to but used F-16s from Portuguese Air Force surplus to equip its air force, thus delaying a major investment in its air force. Press reports criticizing the decision claim the Bulgarian MOD will pay Sofia will over 470 million for the nine F-15 Block 15 fighters, an amount that sounds unrealistic, yet following the example set by the Government of Taiwan, it could be possible, if those planes will be equipped with the new systems the Taiwanese Falcons will get.
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.