Israel Aerospace Industries unveiled DIAMOND, a system based on small vessels that accompany a mother ship, are remotely controlled and carry a range of weapons to increase firepower and defense capabilities. The systems are modular, can be replaced within hours, and include missiles, loitering munitions and air defense.
In a deal estimated at more than 100 million shekels (about $34 million), Elbit will develop and adapt external fuel tanks for the F-35. Once development is complete, the aircraft will be able to extend their flight range, reduce the need for aerial refueling and improve operational flexibility on long-range missions.
The Boeing-made KC-46 refueling aircraft, the first of six tankers purchased by the Israeli Defense Ministry from the US, will be fitted with Israeli systems and adapted to the Israeli Air Force's operational requirements.
Israel's ministerial procurement committee has approved the purchase of F-35 and F-15IA squadrons worth billions of dollars. The move is part of the "Shield of Israel" IDF buildup over the next decade. Security officials stressed that lessons from the war against Iran had accelerated the procurement process and the effort to preserve Israel's air superiority.
A CH-53K King Stallion helicopter has, for the first time, lifted another helicopter of the same model. The goal was to develop advanced recovery capabilities for damaged aircraft.
The deal, worth 600 million shekels, are being led by the deputy head of the Defense Ministry’s procurement administration for air and sea acquisitions.
The defense minister and the Defense Ministry director general made the decision amid what was described as France’s consistent hostility toward Israel over the past two years. Israeli sources said France’s refusal to allow a US plane carrying munitions for Israel to pass through its airspace was “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Israel is expected to begin operational deployment of the Arrow 4 missile defense system in the coming months, a move that could significantly upgrade its ability to counter aerial threats.
In the series of tests, conducted in cooperation with the Defense Ministry, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the US Missile Defense Agency, advanced scenarios were examined against existing and evolving threats.
A package of Israeli-developed systems will be integrated into the American-made CH-53K 'Pere' helicopters scheduled to arrive in Israel in 2028, replacing the Israeli Air Force’s aging 'Yasur' fleet.
