Rafael – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com israelhayom english website Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:11:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.israelhayom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-G_rTskDu_400x400-32x32.jpg Rafael – www.israelhayom.com https://www.israelhayom.com 32 32 Israel opens defense export floodgates https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/18/israel-defense-exports-expansion-katz-ministry/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/11/18/israel-defense-exports-expansion-katz-ministry/#respond Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:00:27 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1103585 Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Israel would dramatically expand defense export opportunities, with the Ministry of Defense easing licensing procedures and significantly enlarging approved destination countries as global demand surges for combat-proven Israeli military technology. Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Bar'am emphasized the strategic importance for IDF modernization funding.

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Israel Hayom has learned that the Ministry of Defense plans to ease the licensing process for defense exports and significantly expand the list of countries approved for marketing. The move comes as the Director General of the Ministry of Defense Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, with the approval of Defense Minister Israel Katz, advances a decision aimed at increasing defense exports and reducing bureaucracy.

The decision followed the completion of work by an expert committee to strengthen and increase defense exports, including significant simplifications of the licensing process and a transition to single-stage licensing for most unclassified products.

The former Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Maj, chaired the committee. Gen. (res.) Ehud Shani. Committee members included former head of Israel's Defense Export Control Agency Col. (res.) Dubi Lavi and Col. (res.) David Rokach. The committee consulted with dozens of current and former officials from the Ministry of Defense, the IDF, defense industries, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The committee was established as part of the Ministry of Defense's strategy to increase defense exports, designed to strengthen Israel's defense industries in a way that would also facilitate the development and production of equipment for the Israeli defense establishment, while generating revenue for the state treasury.

The Ministry of Defense decision comes against the backdrop of global demand for Israeli developments that proved themselves in the war, serving as a tool to strengthen the defense industry and create additional budget sources for the defense establishment that now needs to refill stockpiles, restore the IDF to full readiness, and prepare for future surprises in the coming conflicts.

The Ministry of Defense decision comes against the backdrop of global demand for Israeli developments that proved themselves in the war (Photo: Rafael)

Among the committee's recommendations, now being published for the first time, are significant expansion of the "permitted countries" list, for which marketing license exemptions exist for unclassified products with reduced product exclusions; marketing license exemptions for products at classified levels for a defined country list (subject to legislative changes); expansion of single-stage licensing procedures to simplify and streamline marketing processes; establishment of a ministerial committee for technological registration of products in a unified, centralized, time-bound process; increased frequency of advisory committee meetings and reduced license processing times to enhance enforcement.

The committee's recommendations will be submitted to Defense Minister Israel Katz for approval. He said, "The entire world marvels at the operational capability proven on the ground, and wants to buy more and more blue-and-white products. The reform will enable us to leverage this strategic opportunity – to expand defense exports, simplify bureaucratic processes, open new markets, and further strengthen the defense industries – from national responsibility and from understanding that defense exports are a central engine for building the IDF's strength and Israel's security."

Director General of the Ministry of Defense Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram said, "Defense exports are a central tool in the Ministry of Defense's strategy to ensure force buildup and IDF empowerment, for policy influence and for strengthening industry and the economy. We need broad defense exports to create additional sources for the defense budget and to increase investment in developing the next surprises and expanding production lines in the industries."

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Romania picks Israeli Rafael for air defense deal https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/30/romania-picks-israeli-rafael-for-air-defense-deal/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/30/romania-picks-israeli-rafael-for-air-defense-deal/#respond Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:15:23 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1069577 Romania's Defense Ministry announced Monday that Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems secured victory in a parliamentary-approved tender for short-range anti-aircraft missile systems. While parliament has approved the contract, the defense ministry has yet to publish details, keeping the specific system's identity undisclosed. Defense analysts estimated that the selected platform is Rafael's SPYDER air […]

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Romania's Defense Ministry announced Monday that Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems secured victory in a parliamentary-approved tender for short-range anti-aircraft missile systems. While parliament has approved the contract, the defense ministry has yet to publish details, keeping the specific system's identity undisclosed.

Defense analysts estimated that the selected platform is Rafael's SPYDER air defense system, which has gained adoption across multiple European nations. This truck-mounted system features launchers for Python-5 missiles equipped with radar and active infrared homing technology, providing effectiveness against diverse aerial threats, including unmanned aircraft, helicopters, and various fighter aircraft.

Rafael's SPYDER air defense system in action (Photo: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems) ????

The SPYDER configuration comprises a launch vehicle, a command and control unit, and a support vehicle that resupplies missiles to the launcher. The system demonstrated operational effectiveness during Israel's Iron Swords conflict on the northern front.

Romania's latest defense procurement follows approximately one month after its decision to acquire 41 Iron Dome launchers. Similar to the current announcement, that contract also remains unpublished, leaving unclear the precise configuration of Romania's Iron Dome acquisition.

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Spain to cancel a €287M deal for Rafael's Spike missiles https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/03/spain-to-cancel-a-e287m-deal-for-rafaels-spike-missiles/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/03/spain-to-cancel-a-e287m-deal-for-rafaels-spike-missiles/#respond Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:44:19 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1063117 Spain is set to terminate a €287.4 million agreement to procure Spike anti-tank missiles, referred to as Gil missiles in the IDF, from Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, El Mundo reported on Wednesday. The decision comes amid scraps plans for local production in Spain and comes on the heels of a strategic move to cut defense […]

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Spain is set to terminate a €287.4 million agreement to procure Spike anti-tank missiles, referred to as Gil missiles in the IDF, from Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, El Mundo reported on Wednesday. The decision comes amid scraps plans for local production in Spain and comes on the heels of a strategic move to cut defense ties with Jerusalem due to the ongoing criticism over the Israeli conduct of the war in Gaza. Spain has recently called for sanctions on Israel as a means of pressuring it to end the war, and has recognized Palestinian statehood. Just days ago Barcelona ended its friendship agreement with Tel Aviv for the same reasons.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (AFP / Thomas Coex)

According to the local defense ministry sources cited by El Mundo, "A deliberate process is in place to phase out Israeli technology gradually." The outlet labeled this shift a "formidable challenge" for Spain's defense sector. The deal encompassed 168 Spike missiles, with a Spanish company originally slated to produce them under license.

Sources within the Defense Ministry told the Spanish newspaper El Mundo that "a process is underway for the gradual cancellation of Israeli technology," which the publication described as a "significant challenge."

Defense Minister Margarita Robles canceled the contract that was awarded in October 2023 to Pap Tecnos, a Spanish subsidiary of Rafael, for the production of the missiles in question. The deal included 168 launchers, 1,680 Spike LR2 missiles, and logistical support for the equipment.

According to reports, Spain is now considering purchasing American Javelin missiles manufactured by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin instead of the Israeli missiles.

Spain's government ranks among the most hostile toward Israel within the European Union. During the war, Spain declared an arms embargo on Israel, refused ships sailing to Israel permission to dock at its ports, and recognized a Palestinian state. About two weeks ago, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called Israel a "murderous state."

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his wife Begona Gomez arrive at Carlos V Palace, at the Alhambra Palace in Granada, southern Spain on October 5, 2023 during the European Political Community summit (AFP / Jorge Guerrero)

In April, Sanchez announced the unilateral cancellation of a contract worth €6.6 million ($7.1 million) for the purchase of more than 15 million bullets from Israel Military Industries (IMI Systems). However, shortly afterward, El Mundo revealed that despite the declarations, defense contracts between Spain and Israel worth more than €1 billion ($1.08 billion) had been signed since the beginning of the war.

The Spanish government declared it intends to sever security ties with Israel, but this effort faces difficulties due to the centrality of the Israeli arms industry. The cancellations come against the backdrop of one of the Spanish government's biggest crises. On the one hand, Spain is required to increase defense spending to meet NATO targets, especially in light of President Donald Trump's demand that European countries meet their commitments. On the other hand, increasing the defense budget has sparked outrage among far-left parties in the coalition, which oppose investing money in security and declare that contracts with Israeli companies will lead to their withdrawal from Sanchez's already fragile coalition.

"It's impossible to stop buying Israeli technology, it will make us a vulnerable country," a Spanish general who was interviewed anonymously by El Mundo said at the time. According to the general, "ending contracts or not signing additional contracts with Israel will delay and slow down the modernization plans of our security forces. The bottom line is that Spain will be more vulnerable if it stops buying Israeli technology."

Israel responded to the contract cancellations several weeks ago and condemned "the Spanish government's decision to cancel a signed contract with defense company IMI Systems." The statement said that "the Spanish government is sacrificing security matters for political considerations and continues to stand on the wrong side of history, against the Jewish state defending itself from terror attacks on seven fronts."

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Israeli tank defense system makes history in Germany https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/10/30/israeli-tank-defense-system-makes-history-in-germany/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/10/30/israeli-tank-defense-system-makes-history-in-germany/#respond Wed, 30 Oct 2024 02:30:48 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=1007825   Germany marked a historic milestone in its military modernization efforts Tuesday with the unveiling of its first Leopard tank equipped with Israel's Trophy active protection system, deepening defense ties between the two nations. German and Israeli defense officials gathered Tuesday morning for a landmark ceremony launching the first Leopard tank outfitted with the Trophy […]

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Germany marked a historic milestone in its military modernization efforts Tuesday with the unveiling of its first Leopard tank equipped with Israel's Trophy active protection system, deepening defense ties between the two nations.

German and Israeli defense officials gathered Tuesday morning for a landmark ceremony launching the first Leopard tank outfitted with the Trophy active protection system, developed by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

Israeli Directorate of Defence Research & Development officials with Frank Lobitz, the project director (L), and Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki (R). Photo credit: Israeli Defense Ministry Defense Ministry

The deployment follows a 2020 agreement between the Israeli and German defense ministries to equip Germany's Leopard 2 tank fleet with the Israeli-made protection system. Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, head of the German Defense Ministry's Equipment Division, presided over the inaugural ceremony. The milestone highlights growing defense cooperation between the two nations, which includes other major agreements such as Germany's multibillion-dollar purchase of Israel's Arrow 3 missile defense system.

The Trophy system, resulting from collaboration between the Israeli Defense Ministry's research and development teams and Rafael, stands as the world's most sophisticated operational active protection system. It shields tanks and armored personnel carriers from a wide range of anti-tank weapons.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have relied on Trophy since 2011, with the system now standard equipment on all new Merkava Mark 4 tanks and Namer armored personnel carriers. Having proved its effectiveness in multiple combat scenarios with numerous successful intercepts of anti-tank missiles, Trophy has earned international recognition. Rafael's system now protects 17 different military platforms worldwide, including some of the most advanced tanks in service, with the German Leopard joining this elite group.

 

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IDF to possess Rafael's breakthrough laser missile interceptor by 2025 https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/07/23/idf-to-possess-rafaels-breakthrough-laser-missile-interceptor-by-2025/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/07/23/idf-to-possess-rafaels-breakthrough-laser-missile-interceptor-by-2025/#respond Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:00:40 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=978451   Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman revealed Tuesday at the Farnborough International Airshow that the company's groundbreaking "Iron Beam" laser missile defense system will be operational and in IDF hands by next year. "Two years ago, we achieved a world-first by successfully intercepting an object at an unprecedented distance using laser technology," added Rafael Chairman Yuval […]

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Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman revealed Tuesday at the Farnborough International Airshow that the company's groundbreaking "Iron Beam" laser missile defense system will be operational and in IDF hands by next year.

"Two years ago, we achieved a world-first by successfully intercepting an object at an unprecedented distance using laser technology," added Rafael Chairman Yuval Steinitz, highlighting the system's unique capabilities.

While forgoing physical displays at this year's airshow, Rafael is focused on meetings with potential clients. The strategy appears to be paying off, with the company announcing two new buyers for its "Ice Breaker" long-range cruise missile, which boasts superior weight efficiency compared to competitors.

Turgeman praised the exceptional performance of Rafael's Python 4 and 5 missiles in countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles, notably during recent Iranian attacks. "Their effectiveness is so remarkable that improving upon them will be a challenge," he said. Python 4, despite being four decades old, continues to impress with its capabilities. Rafael is also developing "Skysonic," a hypersonic interceptor designed to counter emerging hypersonic missile threats.

A Qatari-liveried F-15. Photo credit: Aharon Lapidot

The company's flagship systems, Iron Dome and David's Sling, have "exceeded all expectations," according to both executives. "Iron Dome stands as the world's most effective system in its class, while David's Sling has demonstrated outstanding long-range interception capabilities," Turgeman stated.

Attributing much of Rafael's success to its workforce, Turgeman noted, "Our systems' developers often serve as their operators in the reserves, providing them with unparalleled motivation to create exceptional technology."

Steinitz shared an anecdote illustrating employee dedication, describing reserve soldiers returning from Gaza operations only to work at Rafael offices during their weekend leave voluntarily. "Our workforce of about 9,500 includes 600 employees with doctoral and professorial degrees – there's no other company like this in the world," he added.

Qatar Airways' Qsuite. Photo credit: Aharon Lapidot Aharon Lapidot

Global recognition and solidarity

Both executives expressed gratitude for the warm reception and shows of solidarity they received at the airshow. Steinitz recounted a recent visit to the US Congress, where the unprecedented display of Israeli flags outside congressional offices struck him. "In my 25 years of visiting Congress, I've never witnessed such a demonstration of support," he remarked.

The Farnborough skies were dominated by impressive displays from the F-35 and F-15EX. The F-35B, known for its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, captivated audiences with an ultra-slow flyby. A Qatari-liveried F-15 also drew significant attention.

The Wisk autonomous flying taxi. Photo credit: Aharon Lapidot Aharon Lapidot

 

Qatar's presence loomed large at this year's event, featuring a Boeing 787 that attracted long queues of eager visitors and showcasing their new F-15. The Gulf state also sponsored the airshow's press center, hosting an unprecedented 2,000 journalists from across the globe. Equally eye-catching was the new Airbus A-350 model, sporting Air India's livery.

Amidst these aviation giants, a small but revolutionary aircraft vied for attention. The Wisk autonomous flying taxi, equipped with 12 electric motors and painted in a striking yellow, represents a potential paradigm shift in urban transportation. This Boeing-owned venture signals the aerospace industry's growing interest in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology.

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The Middle East's arms race is on: This is what it means for Israel https://www.israelhayom.com/2023/06/27/the-middle-easts-arms-race-is-on-this-is-what-it-means-for-israel/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2023/06/27/the-middle-easts-arms-race-is-on-this-is-what-it-means-for-israel/#respond Tue, 27 Jun 2023 07:32:59 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=894471   The global arms race does not pass over the Middle East. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, and even Egypt seek new military technology to strengthen their capabilities. Israel is preparing itself for new threats, such as the hypersonic missile Iran claims it is developing, as well for technology almost already considered "old" – UAVs […]

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The global arms race does not pass over the Middle East. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, and even Egypt seek new military technology to strengthen their capabilities. Israel is preparing itself for new threats, such as the hypersonic missile Iran claims it is developing, as well for technology almost already considered "old" – UAVs and precision-guided missiles.

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Earlier this month, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems presented its answer to the hypersonic missiles Iran claims it is developing. Photos of the supposed missile were published in Tehran. Yet, people in Israel do not believe Iran already possesses this technology, which does not prevent it from arming itself accordingly.

Meanwhile, in the Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia demands the US' commitment to arms deals, its authorization to develop a civilian nuclear program, and its security guarantees against Iran. Iran's exhibit of its development of missiles and UAVs that are already being tested in Ukraine, along with Saudi Arabia's demands, is causing Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt to equip themselves as well in what appears to be an arms race well underway. Its stars are Iran and Israel, but their surrounding states are also preparing themselves for the worst.

Iran is arming the region

Brigadier General (Res.) Yossi Kuperwasser, head of the research division in the IDF Military Intelligence Division and a senior researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs (JCPA), said to Israel Hayom that "a significant arms race is taking place in the region, and the prominent state in this race is Iran, which is manufacturing weapons on its own using technology it has received from foreign sources. The Iranians are making a significant effort to equip themselves with advanced missiles – and therefore, the variety of missiles they are developing is wide. Even Russia is interested in procuring these missiles. The Iranians have shown their ability to manufacture cruise missiles and have improved their accuracy over time – this is a threat that we cannot take lightly."

Iran's arming of itself projects itself all the way to Hezbollah in the north, which possesses tens of thousands of Iranian missiles and is now attempting to turn them into precision-guided missiles. The military activity in Syria that foreign sources attribute to Israel is meant to prevent this very arming attempt, which according to Kuperwasser, is supposed to "greatly disturb Israel." The researcher notes that alongside the Iranian arms race (and we have not yet said a word about nuclear weapons), even countries that are considered pragmatic are operating in this manner: "Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and Qatar are conducting accelerated arming efforts that are not directed at us, but considering the stability's horizon and possible change in the region, it is possible that Israel will show concern even in a case such as this."

Even Doctor Yehoshua Kalisky, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) near Tel Aviv University, warns us about the intensification happening around us: "Even today, Saudi Arabia possesses advanced reconnaissance planes, and it demands more. These tribes may fight amongst themselves, but what ultimately unites them is their hatred towards Israel."

Doctor Kalisky divides arming efforts into several layers: conventional, semi-conventional, and nonconventional (nuclear). "The conventional arms race does, in fact, stem from what is happening between Russia and Ukraine. Countries are seeing that a war can be won with simple and relatively cheap weapons. The paradigm has changed – no more tank convoys, but rather more UAVs and drones that can stop entire convoys," explains Doctor Kalisky. "This is also an arms race regarding missiles, which are relatively simple to operate. Airports and trained pilots are unnecessary; the missiles are straightforward to operate and only require a small team of people."

The Hypersonic Threat

Doctor Kalisky says regarding the hypersonic missiles: "Anyone who watches the battlefield in Ukraine sees that these missiles work and that their potential to cause destruction and fear is great. This missile can travel from Iran to Israel in about 3-4 minutes. This is terrifying." Today, only Russia and China definitely possess missiles such as these, and there are contrasting opinions on whether Iran has them as well.

Kuperwasser: "Regarding the hypersonic missiles – the US Congress is trying to impose international limitations or even a treaty on them, but in the meantime, certain countries continue to pursue the development of these missiles, such as Russia, China, and the United States. Regarding Iran, according to the pictures we have seen until now, it seems that the Iranians do not yet have hypersonic missiles, but we must always be worried and not mock them. Even if it is not real, our enemy has capabilities. Iran is a missile superpower, and even if the missiles do not work now, we need to take this threat seriously."

The answer to the UAVs

In Israel, the security industries do sit by idly. Israel's innovations place Israel at the forefront of technology, and security industries find their way to countries worldwide, as was seen just this week at the Paris Air Show. In a conversation with Ariel Caro, senior vice president of marketing and business development at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, he describes this arms race from an economic perspective. "Our industries already have the solutions to the wide variety of threats the world is beginning to face. One example is the Multi-Layered, Integrated Multi-Domain Air and Missile Defense Array – from the UAV level the entire world is waking up to after Ukraine, to the Iron Dome and the adaptation of anti-drone laser weapons, which Israel is leading globally."

Even the "David's Sling" system, used in Operation Shield and Arrow, intrigues the world. Caro explains: "Israel is taking advantage of its technological advantage. When you develop defense systems, you do not develop them only for the current threats you face; you must be several steps ahead of the next threat. We are looking ten years into the future and seek to provide solutions for Israel and export them before we encounter the threat."

Arming or deterrence?

Regarding the question of Israeli deterrence of Hezbollah, Kuperwasser says: "At this time, Hezbollah is deterred from carrying out an all-out military attack, but is it deterred from taking limited measures such as allowing the Palestinians to continue arming themselves? Less so. We are paying the price for the hesitation we have shown in the Israel-Lebanon gas deal. This was a move that strengthened Hezbollah's sense of power.

"We need to create deterrence and not attack Lebanon warehouse by warehouse; there is no end to this. We must occasionally demonstrate our capabilities – launching satellites into space, etc. However, the chances of us being dragged into a campaign are not great because our enemies know what we are capable of; Nasrallah is hiding in a bunker to this day.

"Hezbollah has between 120 and 150 thousand missiles, many precision-guided. They have great and dangerous potential. Lebanon is an Iranian proxy that will be ready for action whenever told to be. In contrast, Syria does not pose a significant threat because it is divided and has an outdated army."

Regarding the knowledge of missiles in the Gaza Strip that is also worming its way into Samaria, Doctor Kalisky says that "the missile knowledge in the Gaza Strip is Iranian that made its way there via smuggling and experts, and the missiles are manufactured using lathes. We will likely see steep-trajectory fire towards Afula and other communities in the north. These things have happened in the past. In the 1970s, Katyusha rockets were launched toward Petach Tiqwa from the Jordan Valley, and one person was killed. Our control of Judea and Samaria leads us to the missile's designers and manufacturers, and at the moment is thwarting this threat."

One of the prominent fields of the arms race is the UAV. The Iranians are developing many kinds of UAVs which Russia procures for its war with Ukraine. According to Kuperwasser, "the Iranians have already proved their capabilities in this field in the attacks on the Saudi oil facilities in 2019. We have a good solution to this threat – developing anti-drone laser weapons and advanced interception methods.

 "A real scenario"

According to Caro, Israel's innovations are in high demand by European countries, who see the battlefield right next to their homes: "The Russia-Ukraine war made it clear to them that a scenario of war on European soil is real, and that they are lacking in the operational sense. They need a technological advantage, which Israel has, and there is a significant increase in demand.

"Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has specialized in precise and high-quality electro-optic oriented arming for many years. Our innovations are required also because of the large distances – in Europe, there is demand for Spike missiles and other similar systems, and the Paris Air Show is a platform for exposing these capabilities to many clients."

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Faster and much more furious: A sneak peek at the IDF's new futuristic artillery gun https://www.israelhayom.com/2022/11/16/faster-and-much-more-furious-an-sneak-peak-at-the-idfs-new-futuristic-artillery-gun/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2022/11/16/faster-and-much-more-furious-an-sneak-peak-at-the-idfs-new-futuristic-artillery-gun/#respond Wed, 16 Nov 2022 10:31:16 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=854251   For the first time in decades, the IDF Artillery Corps is now about to upgrade its outdated inventory of SPGs (Self-Propelled Guns) and will begin to phase into service the new Israeli SPG, the Ro'em ("Thundermaker") manufactured by Elbit Systems. Israel Hayom was afforded an initial glimpse of this new weapon system, currently in […]

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For the first time in decades, the IDF Artillery Corps is now about to upgrade its outdated inventory of SPGs (Self-Propelled Guns) and will begin to phase into service the new Israeli SPG, the Ro'em ("Thundermaker") manufactured by Elbit Systems. Israel Hayom was afforded an initial glimpse of this new weapon system, currently in the final stages of its development, and which is scheduled to become one of the most lethal tools in service with the IDF.

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"This is more than a generation leap it's a multi-generation leap forward," proudly announces IDF Chief Artillery Officer Brig. Gen. Nerry Horovitz, next to the initial prototype of the Ro'em at the Shivta artillery base in the Negev desert.  The IDF's current SPG, known as the Doher (galloper), is essentially the US-made M-109 howitzer developed in the 1960s, some of whose systems have subsequently been upgraded. Naturally, even if they undergo optimal maintenance treatment, the current state of these legacy systems is well past its prime.

For at least twenty years, if not more, the Artillery Corps has been asking to replace these obsolete SPGs, but the plans were repeatedly shelved in favor of allocating these resources to the Israel Air Force and for other urgent needs. The war in Ukraine, in which artillery has proven to be the most dominant factor on the battlefield, has provided an unexpected source of support for the decision to upgrade the IDF's fleet of howitzers.

In contrast to the Doher, which is mounted on a caterpillar track giving it a tank-like appearance, the Ro'em uses the chassis of a giant Oshkosh truck with 10X10 drive, giving it a rather intimidating appearance. The use of a wheel-driven rather than a track-driven system enables rapid mobility between combat fronts, obviating the need for tank transporters, while both simplifying the vehicle's maintenance and rendering it far less expensive.

Each individual Ro'em is capable of generating a volume of firepower almost equivalent to that of an entire battery of Doher SPGs. To illustrate this comparison, the real fire fate of a Doher has remained stable at two shells per minute, while the Ro'em is capable of firing eight shells per minute. This fire rate, which only a limited number of howitzers in the world are capable of producing, is attained thanks to the completely automatic and computerized loading system. The familiar image of the sweating, fatigued loader, breaking his back to bend down and lift shells weighing dozens of kilos, is soon to become a thing of the past.

Will women be able to serve in the Ro'em?

This fact might open up the combat positions in the Ro'em for women too, as in the past the heavy weight of the shells was the main barrier preventing their integration within the IDF's current SPGs. "Today, women are integrated in all the Artillery Corps units – including in the SPG battery command vehicles, even if they do not serve in the Doher SPGs themselves, stresses Brig. Gen. Horovitz, and duly adds: "As far as I am concerned, there is no reason to prevent women from serving as combat soldiers in the new Ro'em systems."

Lethal volley. The Ro'em. (Photo credit: Dudu Grunshpan)

In practice, the Ro'em's practical fire rate can reach up to several shells per second, in a focused volley. This exceptional capability is attained by the integration of cutting-edge technology known as MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact) in the vehicle's fire computer.

Video: A visit to an IDF artillery base / Yaniv Zohar

Without blinding you with the minute technical details, in essence, the Ro'em alters the barrel angle and the size of the propellant charge that propels the projectiles, causing them to reach the target and hit it simultaneously. This is a significant capability as the first shell, which hits the target before the enemy has had the chance to take cover, has the greatest lethal potential.  A battery of Ro'em SPGs would be able to fire a burst of dozens of shells with precision timing of a single second at a surprised and exposed enemy.

If that isn't sufficient, then the Ro'em's range is almost double that of the IDF's current SPGs, reaching targets at a distance of 40 km. In contrast, the Ro'em is much more economical as it requires a considerably smaller crew of three (male or female) soldiers alone, compared with the seven-man crew needed to operate the Doher.

In addition, the Ro'em is a vehicle that enjoys absolute independence in the field. It is not dependent on a separate fire computer, which is currently located in the battery command vehicle but is equipped with its own computer. "This particular feature affords us maximum flexibility and enables us to operate the Ro'em SPGs in any combat formation we wish, starting with the single howitzer," remarks Horovitz.

Omer and Amit, two artillery instructors standing by the new SPG (Photo credit: Dudu Grunshpan)

Our visit to Shivta took place in parallel to an event organized by the Be'ikvot Lohamim ("in the footsteps of warriors") project – a one-day event organized by the IDF Ground Forces Command for high school students with a view to their upcoming military service, providing the various branches of the military with an opportunity to showcase their weapon systems and capabilities. "With all due respect to technology, the Artillery Corps' main weapon has been and always will be our amazing soldiers," proudly claims Brig. Gen. Horovitz.

Video: The Ro'em SPG in action / Elbit

"In fact, for some time now we have been much more than a corps of artillery guns, so our name is slightly misleading. Our corps is a technology-intensive entity composed of a variety of units such as the drone units, the rocket units, and the PGM (precision-guided munitions) units, which together provide the IDF with the spearhead of its land-based firepower. The soldiers, both male and female, who operate these systems, along with the SPG units, are required to excel in the field of technological literacy, and thankfully they are doing a great job."

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Israel's Rafael defense firm unveils new consortium to provide cyber security in Dubai https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/06/25/israels-rafael-defense-firm-unveils-new-consortium-to-provide-cyber-security-in-dubai/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/06/25/israels-rafael-defense-firm-unveils-new-consortium-to-provide-cyber-security-in-dubai/#respond Fri, 25 Jun 2021 06:18:31 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=647865   The world is waking up to the emerging threat of cyberattacks, which can lead to physical damage and casualties, an Israeli defense company executive told Jewish News Syndicate. Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter "War is not just about missiles today, it is also about harming critical infrastructure – the blood flow of […]

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The world is waking up to the emerging threat of cyberattacks, which can lead to physical damage and casualties, an Israeli defense company executive told Jewish News Syndicate.

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"War is not just about missiles today, it is also about harming critical infrastructure – the blood flow of a country," said Michael Arov, head of the Cyber Business Unit at Rafael.

Earlier this month, Rafael announced the establishment of a new consortium of Israeli companies to provide cybersecurity for operational technologies in Dubai. Rafael made the announcement about the new Israeli Operational Technologies Cyber Consortium at the GISEC (Gulf Information Security Expo and Conference) Global 2021 event.

The new consortium will provide end-to-end, cyber-operational solutions for clients around the world.

This kind of cybersecurity – defending operational technology – differs from the need to defend information technology, servers and Internet networks, he explained.

"While Information Technology includes things like Windows, Linux, daily computing tasks, processing transcripts, Word, excel, gaming … operational technology are systems that control electro-mechanical systems; these are physical processes. Things like a turbine, or transferring food on a conveyer belt, or air conditioning – all of these systems are controlled by computing," said Arov.

Threats to operational technology are seen as a high-priority issue in the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states that rely on many such systems in a desert climate, he added.

This includes water desalination plants, electricity production from oil and nuclear power, solar-energy plants and the management of very large seaports. "There is a lot of dependence on operational technology in this region," said Arov.

Hostile state actors have an interest in developing capabilities that can seriously damage operational technology within rival states.

During conflicts, hostile actors are likely to try harming sensitive targets such as the electrical grids of states, Arov cautioned. Such an attack, if successful, could be more harmful than a weapons strike. This area of cybersecurity also covers the ultra-sensitive sector of aviation.

"As soon as an attacker hits such a system, it can cause electrical faults, or a train to derail, or other physical processes. These are attacks that can kill people. They are not just website defacement, theft of money or theft of ID. They can lead to explosions," he emphasized.

'We saw no reason to remain in-house'

Before starting to think about selling cybersecurity solutions abroad, Rafael had been defending its own software and hardware elements (known as supervisory control and data acquisition, or SCADA, systems) against cyberattacks.

"From the moment we built a number of in-house products, we saw no reason to remain in-house," said Arov.

Rafael began to create products for exports and also decided to unify Israeli companies that offer such services under a cyber consortium.

The companies can protect transportation, oil and gas, manufacturing, water and sewage, energy infrastructure and more.

Rafael is the prime contractor of Israel's national Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT), which is based in Beersheba. CERT is made up of groups of responders who kick into action in the event of major cyberattacks. CERT provides key backing for the finance, transport and critical infrastructure fields in Israel.

The setting up of the consortium received the backing of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, which is responsible for all aspects of cyberdefense in the civilian sphere in Israel.

"The purpose is to unify forces," said Arov. Under Rafael's leadership, a group of companies "that have something to say about operational technology and industrial control systems created the consortium," he said. The consortium works together in both marketing and the implementation of solutions.

It is made up of two types of companies. The first is a company that is a "domain expert" in its field, such as the Israel Electric Corporation. The second type offers products based on technology and knowledge of cybersecurity.

"We created a connection between domain experts and product companies," said Arov.

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Arov has identified a rise in such types of attacks. According to international media reports, Iran attempted to launch a cyberattack on Israel's water supply, leading to a poisoning of the water in April 2020.

"These types of attacks are not always known to the public. Regulation does not force the publication of the problems, and incidents are not always known to everyone," said Arov.

The consortium will include Rafael and the Israel Electric Corporation, and will host large, medium and small Israeli companies.

"Ultimately, this is a very important issue for us," said Arov. "We are pushing for the creation of an Israeli ecosystem in the form of the consortium."

Reprinted with permission fromJNS.org.

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Israel delivers 2nd Iron Dome battery to US https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/01/03/israel-delivers-2nd-iron-dome-battery-to-us/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/01/03/israel-delivers-2nd-iron-dome-battery-to-us/#respond Sun, 03 Jan 2021 12:15:19 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=573431   Israel has delivered a second Iron Dome system to the US military, in accordance with the terms of a deal between the Defense Ministry and the US Department of Defense. The second system arrived over the weekend. Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter Defense Minister Benny Gantz said that "Delivering the Iron Dome […]

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Israel has delivered a second Iron Dome system to the US military, in accordance with the terms of a deal between the Defense Ministry and the US Department of Defense.

The second system arrived over the weekend.

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Defense Minister Benny Gantz said that "Delivering the Iron Dome to the US military once again proves the close ties between Israel's Defense Ministry and the US Department of Defense, the efficacy of the system's against various threats, and the excellent technological capabilities of Israeli industry.

"I am certain that the system will help the US military defend American soldiers against ballistic and air threats, and against the threats that are being developed in placed where forces are deployed on various missions," Gantz said.

In August 2019, the Defense Ministry and the US Department of Defense signed an agreement for Israel to supply US military forces with two Iron Dome systems. The first was delivered in September and is being installed in the US. Both systems were delivered on time.

Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems develops and manufactures the Iron Dome system in conjunction with Israel Aerospace Industries ELTA Systems, which developed and manufactures the system's MMR radar; and MPrest, which supplies Iron Dome's control and monitoring systems.

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Will this new laser interceptor bring calm to southern Israel ? This video may offer a clue https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/02/12/will-this-new-laser-interceptor-bring-calm-to-southern-israel-this-video-may-offer-a-clue/ https://www.israelhayom.com/2020/02/12/will-this-new-laser-interceptor-bring-calm-to-southern-israel-this-video-may-offer-a-clue/#respond Wed, 12 Feb 2020 12:19:11 +0000 https://www.israelhayom.com/?p=467353 Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced Wednesday that it had successfully carried out a series of tests on the Drone Dome system, during which multiple mock UAVs were intercepted by means of a laser beam. The targets were successfully engaged during the day and at night. The new system, once fully phased into service, will help […]

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Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced Wednesday that it had successfully carried out a series of tests on the Drone Dome system, during which multiple mock UAVs were intercepted by means of a laser beam. The targets were successfully engaged during the day and at night.

The new system, once fully phased into service, will help southern communities near the Gaza Strip deal with ongoing harassment by Palestinian terrorists who constantly send incendiary balloons and explosive kites across the border.

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The system, unveiled several weeks ago, is designed to address the threats of flying objects close to the ground. It can use the "soft kill" method, which interferes with the operation of the object, and can also carry out a "hard kill" with the laser beam, which destroys the object.

Rafael said the Drone Dome is "designed to present a solution to the drones and quadcopters by providing a low layer of defense to military installations and civilian sites, such as airports and strategic locations, which have become more vulnerable as of late due to the use of such devices."

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