This week, that red line may face its biggest test in decades, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's planned visit to Washington and the expected US approval for the F-35 deal to the kingdom.

The Americans have always viewed the Saudis as an important strategic partner, but the idea of supplying the stealth fighter – the only fifth-generation jet operated by any country in the Middle East (Israel) – was seen until recently as a line best not crossed. The reason is simple: the F-35 is no longer just a fighter jet. It is an intelligence, strike, and electronic platform that enables penetration into spaces that were previously impassable, and it is a source of security, diplomatic, and strategic power not only in the local arena but also in the broader regional balance of power.

The stealth fighter entered Israeli Air Force service as a result of a long, complex, and sometimes politically sensitive process. Although the F-35 was born as a large-scale international project led by the United States called JSF – Joint Strike Fighter, Israel was not included in the first group of countries that participated in it.

The main reason was that the Americans carefully examined the combination of industrial partnership and security sensitivity: Israel was not a producer in NATO frameworks, and it was known as a country that makes deep modifications to almost every air platform it acquires. From Washington's perspective, there was a need to carefully examine whether Israel's modification requirements would not endanger particularly sensitive technological components. Only at a later stage, after a prolonged process of secret coordinations and technological protection mechanisms, did Israel join as a special procurement partner and not as a full member in the JSF coalition.

The US president who essentially approved the sale of the stealth fighters to Israel was George W. Bush. His administration made the principled decision to allow Israel to acquire a fifth-generation jet, out of the understanding that the rise in regional threats – including Iran – requires Israel to have a significant qualitative advantage. The actual agreement was signed during the Obama administration, which continued this policy and gave the green light to the first order. Israel was indeed outside the circle of countries that contributed to the development of the tool, but it became the first customer in the world to receive Washington's approval for deep Israeli modifications in the avionics systems, electronic warfare, and connectivity.

The first Adir landed in Israel on December 12, 2016, at Nevatim Airbase, in a ceremony that made clearer than anything the significance of this acquisition for Israel. For the first time, the Air Force received a jet capable of entering almost any point in the Middle East with little warning, generating independent intelligence, and carrying out precise strikes with a level of survivability higher than that of any other tool. It gave Israel an advantage that is not only technological but also conceptual: the Air Force moved from an era where it had to "break into" enemy airspace to an era where it can operate within it with relative ease.

Since 2016, three batches of jets have arrived in Israel. Today, the Israeli Adir fleet numbers about 36 F-35 jets integrated into squadrons at Nevatim. The Israeli government has already approved the purchase of another 25 jets, which will bring the operational strength to more than 60 jets. There are also discussions about further expansion later this decade, among other things to ensure a response to new threats and the replacement of some of the veteran fourth-generation jets.

The combination of operational flexibility, stealth capability, unique Israeli electronic warfare modifications, and natural integration into national control systems created a new reality: the stealth fighter is no longer just a component in the Air Force but an overlay layer that gives Israel freedom of action that no one in the arena holds, and continues to shape Israeli combat doctrine even today.

In Israel, especially after Operation Rising Lion, the significance of this process is even clearer. In the campaign that lasted 12 days and spanned thousands of kilometers, the F-35 was the tool that changed the rules of the game. It enabled deep penetration into Iranian airspace saturated with radars, missile batteries, and electronic warfare capabilities without the need to open a route through a wave of preliminary strikes. It provided real-time intelligence, sensor fusion that creates a continuous battle picture, and surgical strike capability on targets essential to the nuclear program – and all this while maintaining almost complete stealth. Israeli pilots described how they saw Iran's defense arrays "waking up", if at all, only after the strike had already been completed. That was a moment that illustrated how much this tool changes reality, and how much the Israeli advantage on it is not only tactical but essential.

This is exactly where the Israeli concern lies. If Saudi Arabia indeed joins the select club that holds the American stealth fighter, the implication is not just another advanced jet in the region; it is a change in the basis of the balance of power. Not because Saudi Arabia is an enemy state, today it is seen as a potential strategic partner, but because the qualitative advantage is a resource that must be maintained over time, especially in a region where the balance of alliances can change in a few years, if not months.

Israel needs unique technological depth, one that cannot be closed in two or three years. And if Saudi Arabia is indeed equipped with the stealth fighter, it will be the first time an Arab country receives access to a technological generation equal to that of Israel. In the past, Saudi Arabia requested – and received AWACS and F-15 jets from the US, but Israel managed to impose certain restrictions on the Saudi jets, thereby leaving a technological advantage in its hands.

Supporters of the move argue that Israel holds an advantage of many years over any country that enters the deal now. They point to its extensive operational experience, the unique hardware and software modifications it has made, and the complementary capabilities – intelligence, communications, and logistical capability that other countries are still far from holding. The QME mechanisms (ensuring qualitative edge), they remind, do not erode in one day. But on the other hand, there are those in Israel who warn that these gaps are not a given. Technology is a dynamic matter, and from the moment the door opens, it is hard to return it to full closure.

In this reality, Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington becomes a top event. The US president's decision will not approve just a deal – it will define the contours of air supremacy in the Middle East in the coming decade. The fact that in Israel they use examples from Operation Rising Lion to gauge the significance of the stealth fighter only sharpens the tension: Israel knows very well what the F-35 allows it to do. It also knows what will happen the day these capabilities reach its large, wealthy, and ambitious neighbor.

Either way, the discussion is not about Saudi Arabia. It's about Israel, about a longstanding American commitment, and about the question of whether the era of Israeli exclusivity in the stealth domain is about to come to an end – or whether Washington will find a way to preserve the additional edge on which Israeli security policy has relied for three decades.

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The new version of the aircraft will be adapted in Israel for intelligence, observation, and light strike missions, with an emphasis on low operating cost, prolonged air endurance, and fast response. The choice of a durable, light, and simple-to-maintain platform provides a solution for the needs of the Gaza and Lebanon borders, where continuous aerial presence is required, but not necessarily supersonic interception or the operation of expensive fighter jets.

The approach led by Israel Aerospace Industries relies on rich experience in converting civilian platforms for military purposes – such as the Westwind (Shavit) that was converted into a maritime intelligence aircraft, the Eitam and Oron models, which are advanced intelligence aircraft based on Gulfstream business jets, the Arava, as a dedicated light transport aircraft, and the Kfir, and the Nesher before it, which were based on the French Mirage 5 plans, that were refined, developed, and produced by Israel Aerospace Industries. Especially remembered is the daring, unsuccessful attempt to produce an advanced and independent Israeli fighter jet, the Lavi, whose development was halted by the US administration.

In addition, many Gulfstream business jets were manufactured, developed, and assembled in collaboration with the IAI. The cooperation focuses on the production of specific models like the G280, whose development and production are carried out by IAI, and other models produced in the past, such as the G100 (Astra), which were designed by the Israeli side. The IAI is also a world leader in converting passenger aircraft, such as the 777, into cargo planes.

Video: The OA-1K Skyraider II / Courtesy

The integration of advanced Israeli systems into the new aircraft, such as open mission interfaces, encrypted communication, electro-optical sensor pods, and a dedicated doctrine, turns the platform into a modern tool capable of integrating into the IDF's operational network and providing constant awareness, fast response, and precise operational capability along the borders. The Blue Sky Warden is not a replacement for fighter jets like the F-35 or for an escort force, but a flexible addition to the aerial mix. It allows field commanders to monitor patterns, direct interceptions, and respond to changing targets, all without straining expensive fighter jets or luxurious drones. In fact, it returns the routine missions that take the most significant resources of the Israeli Air Force to cheap and reliable platforms.

Similar platforms exist in the international arena – the AT-802 from Air Tractor, the Brazilian Super Tucano (Embraer), the US OV-10 Bronco, and the IOMAX Archangel – all demonstrating the trend of using light aircraft, sometimes agricultural, that have been converted for strike and reconnaissance missions. On the heavier side is the US A-10 Thunderbolt II, which illustrates the challenge in preserving dedicated strike platforms against advanced threats.

In the US, a debate has been ongoing for years whether to keep the A-10, the slow but deadly strike aircraft, in service, or to prefer a small, high-capability fleet. Behind this argument is a fundamental dilemma: How to balance cost, flexibility, and survivability in an era where advanced air defense systems threaten the operational freedom of fighter jets. The choice of the US Special Operations Command of the military version of the Sky Warden, called the OA-1K Skyraider II, is a clear response to that problem. Even when it is inefficient to send heavy and expensive aircraft on a mission, it is still possible to achieve intelligence control and limited strike capability using a simple and cheap platform.

In Israel, the need is similar, but more geographically focused: not strategic superiority thousands of kilometers (thousands of miles) away, but a reliable presence along the border fence. If the Blue Sky Warden succeeds in this mission, it may become a significant tool in the IDF's toolkit. It will not be a glittering air symbol like the F-35 Adir or the Ra'am F-15I, but a diligent worker that will prevent dozens of small crises and save expensive flight hours.

Alongside its advantages, the Blue Sky Warden also has clear limitations: It is vulnerable to modern air defense threats and is therefore effective mainly in sectors where the aerial risk is limited. Its success depends on meticulous mission planning, quality intelligence, and wise integration into the overall array, while maintaining a high cost-benefit ratio. The choice of this aircraft continues an Israeli tradition of adapting existing solutions to changing operational needs, and combines advanced engineering capabilities with simple operational logic aimed at improving Israel's security efficiently and significantly.

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To understand its present, one must go back to the beginning. In the 1970s, the US Army sought to develop a dedicated attack helicopter to destroy Soviet tanks in a potential European war. McDonnell Douglas (later merged with Boeing) won the contract, and the prototype made its first flight in September 1975. The Apache entered operational service in 1984. It was named after the Native American Apache tribe, popularized by German author Karl May through his legendary fictional hero Winnetou.

The helicopter carries a two-person crew, a pilot and a weapons officer. It is 17.7 meters (58 feet) long, weighs 5.2 tons (without fuel and weapons), and reaches a maximum speed of 293 kilometers per hour (182 mph). Its main armament includes the 30mm M230 cannon, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, and 70mm unguided rockets.

The Hellfire missile became the Apache's hallmark. Guided by laser or radar, it was originally designed to destroy tanks but proved versatile against armored vehicles, buildings, boats, and even pinpoint targets. The combination of advanced sensors, a pilot's helmet that directs the cannon, and the ability to operate day and night made the Apache one of the most effective combat platforms of the modern era.

Israel quickly embraced the Apache. The Israeli Air Force received the helicopters in the late 1980s, first the AH-64A "Peten" (Cobra) and later the upgraded AH-64D "Saraf." In Israel, the Apache became not only a tank destroyer but also a central tool in the fight against Palestinian terrorism. Many targeted killings of senior Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives were carried out using Hellfire missiles fired from Apaches flying at low altitude, striking with deadly precision. In operations in the Gaza Strip, the helicopters provided close air support for ground forces, disrupted rocket launches, and destroyed anti-tank squads.

Around the world, the Apache also proved decisive. The US Army used it in Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Gulf War and in every conflict since, from Iraq to Afghanistan. The impact was so severe on Saddam Hussein's troops that they nicknamed it "the Black Death." Britain deployed Apaches successfully in operations in Libya. Egypt, Greece, the Netherlands, Japan, and several other countries operate variants of the Apache, which continues to be a cornerstone of modern warfare.

October 7, 2023, was a turning point for Israel – and for its Apache squadrons, the only attack helicopters left in the Air Force. That morning, as thousands of Hamas terrorists stormed the Gaza border, only two Apaches reached the fence to try to stem the tide. They fired until they ran out of ammunition, returned to rearm, and then went back into the fight. They struck Hamas vehicles, hit Nukhba commando squads, and were the only aerial force on the scene in those critical early hours. Just two helicopters against thousands of terrorists. It was painful proof of the Apache's importance, and of the failures in Israel's preparedness for that dark day.

Before October 7, the Air Force had been debating the future of attack helicopters. After phasing out its Cobra squadrons, only two Apache units remained: Squadron 113 (Hornet) and Squadron 190 (Magic Touch). There were even plans to shut down both, effectively ending Israel's attack helicopter capability. Pilots recalled that on October 6 they had discussed retirement, only to find themselves the next morning in one of the fiercest battles in Israeli history.

The Hamas assault changed everything. By the winter of 2023–2024, the Air Force was operating its Apaches at an unprecedented pace and urgently requested additional AH-64E models from the US as part of its lessons learned. The trend continued into 2025: alongside acquisitions of F-35s, F-15s, and drones, Israel purchased new defensive systems for Apaches and Black Hawks and formally asked the US to expand its Apache fleet, potentially doubling it, recognizing that attack helicopters carry out missions no other platform can easily replace.

Fifty years after its debut, the Apache remains relevant. Though designed for a different era, when Soviet T-72 tanks threatened West Germany, in today's Middle East it has found new purpose against the drone threat. The combat helicopter that became a legend has not retired; it has simply changed targets.

That a weapon originally built to destroy Soviet armor now finds its mission against Iranian Shahed drones may be the essence of five decades of technological and operational adaptability.

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For the first time in combat operations, Pakistan fielded Chinese J-10C fighter jets, representing the most advanced iteration of the aircraft nicknamed the "Chinese Lavi." The J-10 represents a Chinese fourth-generation multirole fighter developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force, serving as the cornerstone of Chinese aerial capabilities since the early 2000s.

Despite categorical denials from both Israeli and Chinese officials, the J-10 has long been linked to the defunct Israeli Lavi fighter program, terminated in 1987. Throughout the 1990s, intelligence reports documented technological collaboration between Israel and China, reportedly involving former Lavi project engineers providing technical assistance, transfer of aeronautical engineering expertise and avionics technology to Chinese manufacturers during their transition from aircraft replication to indigenous design capabilities. Both aircraft share remarkably similar aerodynamic characteristics including forward canard configurations, comparable fuselage architecture, and equivalent thrust-to-weight specifications.

Intelligence assessments from Western sources, including CIA analyses and the respected defense publication Jane's Defence, concluded during the 1990s that the J-10 "may extensively incorporate Lavi-derived technologies." Chinese J-10 aircraft demonstrated remarkable effectiveness against Indian Air Force platforms, with these fighters reportedly responsible for eliminating multiple Indian aircraft including French-manufactured Rafale jets, Russian-built Sukhoi SU-30MKI interceptors, and MiG-29 fighters. Pakistan simultaneously employed sophisticated Chinese air defense networks including HQ-9 surface-to-air missile systems that successfully engaged Indian aircraft operating at medium and high altitudes.

Pakistan became the inaugural international operator of the J-10C following its 2021 procurement decision, with aircraft entering operational service between 2022 and 2023. For Pakistani air commanders, the J-10C addresses India's qualitative aerial edge gained through Rafale acquisitions while countering the quantitative superiority of Indian Air Force operations, which maintains approximately double Pakistan's aircraft inventory. The J-10C combines advanced capabilities with cost-effectiveness, featuring PL-15 medium-to-extended-range air-to-air missiles capable of engaging Indian aircraft beyond visual range.

Confronting Pakistan's hybrid Chinese-American weapons portfolio, which incorporates US-supplied F-16 multirole fighters, India deployed its premier Rafale aircraft supported by defensive systems including Russian S-400 long-range surface-to-air missiles and domestically developed Akashteer integrated air defense networks, providing enhanced airspace monitoring and control capabilities. Despite these preparations, Indian forces encountered sustained drone and precision-guided munition attacks from Pakistani forces employing Turkish Bayraktar unmanned combat aerial vehicles and sophisticated electronic warfare countermeasures.

Throughout the engagement, Pakistani military officials claimed responsibility for destroying five Indian combat aircraft, including three Rafale fighters. Beyond these claimed aerial victories, the global aviation community expressed astonishment at witnessing large-scale multi-aircraft engagements resembling classical dogfighting scenarios previously considered obsolete. The most recent significant air-to-air combat operations occurred over four decades ago, precisely 43 years earlier, during Operation Peace for Galilee, where Israeli Air Force pilots achieved a decisive 89-to-zero victory ratio against Syrian Air Force opposition. Similar aerial engagements occurred during the Iran-Iraq conflict throughout the 1980s and limited encounters during the Azerbaijan-Armenia hostilities in the 1990s. Traditional air combat scenarios materialized during the Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict (1998–2000) featuring Soviet-era aircraft including Eritrean MiG-29 fighters opposing Ethiopian Sukhoi Su-27 interceptors.

The preceding air-to-air combat encounter – preceding the current confrontation – occurred between Indian and Pakistani forces in February 2019. An Indian MiG-21 pilot was shot down and subsequently captured within Pakistani territory. Pakistani officials claimed additional F-16 aircraft destruction, though Indian authorities disputed these assertions. Such aerial combat scenarios have become increasingly uncommon in contemporary warfare, particularly between nations operating modern air forces, as current conflicts typically rely on standoff missile systems, unmanned platforms, and integrated air defense networks. Consequently, manned aircraft-versus-aircraft engagements have virtually vanished from modern battlefields. Whether the India-Pakistan confrontation signals their return remains a compelling strategic question. Several experienced fighter pilots within our air force community would welcome the revival of air combat artistry, long considered the ultimate expression of military aviation prowess.

Returning to current developments, Indian officials declined to authenticate Pakistani shoot-down claims while questioning their accuracy and verification. The bilateral conflict featured intensive information warfare campaigns as both governments attempted to shape domestic and international narratives through disinformation campaigns and selective intelligence disclosure.

From an Israeli strategic perspective, an unprecedented situation emerged involving Israeli-developed or allegedly Israeli-influenced weapons systems operating on opposing sides. Countering the "Chinese Lavi," Indian forces deployed diverse Israeli-supplied capabilities including the Barak 8 surface-to-air missile system – a collaborative Israeli-Indian development program. While extensively deployed throughout Indian military services, foreign intelligence sources suggest Pakistan acquired modified versions through third-party channels. Barak 8 collaborative development commenced between 2006 and 2009, with initial naval systems delivered to Indian Navy operations in 2016 and terrestrial variants provided to Indian Air Force units in 2017. Barak 8 technology has become integral to India's layered air defense architecture, currently deployed across naval vessels, ground-based installations, and under evaluation for airborne integration.

The HAROP loitering munition system – professionally classified as a "kamikaze" attack drone manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries – enabled Indian forces to conduct precision strikes against designated Pakistani installations.

Pakistani forces countered with Turkish-supplied systems including Bayraktar TB2 armed unmanned aerial vehicles used against Indian positions, incorporating sophisticated tactical approaches such as coordinating drone flights with civilian aircraft to complicate interception procedures, alongside KORAL electronic warfare platforms that enabled Pakistani operators to disrupt Indian radar and communications networks throughout the engagement.

A significant geopolitical development with potential regional and global implications involves how this latest India-Pakistan confrontation demonstrates shifting regional power equilibrium, featuring expanded Chinese and Turkish influence against declining traditional Western and Russian arms supplier dominance. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Turkey, pursuing regional and potentially global power projection ambitions, has intensified efforts to establish strategic presence throughout South Asia, with this conflict providing valuable expansion opportunities. Despite substantial Indian investments in advanced Western military systems, the confrontation exposed coordination deficiencies and inadequate responses to emerging threats including unmanned systems and electronic warfare capabilities.

Enhanced Turkish involvement establishes an additional competitive dimension against Israeli regional engagement, primarily manifested through advanced systems provision to Indian forces. Israel maintains its central regional security role, though current circumstances underscore requirements for enhanced oversight regarding sensitive technology proliferation. Future developments indicate continued regional arms competition emphasizing cyber warfare capabilities, electronic countermeasures, and advanced unmanned systems development as competing powers pursue technological and strategic advantages.

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The trade war between the United States and China has taken to the skies. The imposition of new tariffs by the Trump administration in early 2025, as part of a renewed trade war with China and other trading partners, has caused significant turbulence in the American aviation industry. Companies like Delta, United, and American Airlines, which had expected record profits this year, have been forced to change their forecasts due to declining demand, rising costs, and sharp drops in stock prices. The announcement of tariffs of up to 145% on imports from China has led to sharp declines in stock markets, with airline stocks taking a particularly severe hit.

Stocks of major American airlines – Delta, United, and American Airlines – have plummeted between 30% and 40% since the beginning of the year. United dropped by 30% since the start of 2025, Delta lost 38% of its value, and American Airlines fell by 42%. These declines reflect growing concerns about the impact of tariffs on flight demand, especially among business travelers, as well as increasing operating costs.

Meanwhile, as reported by Bloomberg, China has banned its airlines from purchasing Boeing aircraft. According to the report, Beijing has also demanded a halt to purchasing equipment and spare parts for aircraft from American companies.

Airlines have implemented drastic measures to cope with the situation. Delta canceled its forecasts for 2025, noting that growth "has largely stalled" due to economic uncertainty. United published two different profitability forecasts, one describing a recession scenario. Other companies, such as American and Southwest, have scaled back their expansion plans and focused on cost reduction strategies.

The new tariffs have also significantly altered consumer behavior. There has been a noticeable decline in flight bookings, especially in premium classes. Travelers from Canada and other countries are increasingly avoiding trips to the United States due to elevated costs, and demand for domestic flights within the US has weakened, raising serious concerns about an economic slowdown.

The tariffs have also created substantial challenges for aircraft manufacturers. Boeing, whose stock has fallen by 10% since the beginning of the year, is dealing with a freeze on shipments to China, which could have far-reaching consequences for the entire American aviation industry. The rise in raw material prices, such as aluminum and steel, increases production costs and makes it increasingly difficult for airlines to maintain profitability.

The tariffs imposed in early 2025 have created significant uncertainty throughout the American aviation industry. Airlines are grappling with declining demand, rising costs, and falling stock prices. The situation requires them to adapt quickly to the new reality, while reassessing expansion plans and implementing more aggressive cost-cutting measures.

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The Paris Air Show, one of the world's largest and most influential aviation and defense events, is scheduled to take place from June 16-22, 2025, at Le Bourget Airport near Paris. This annual summit brings together the entire aviation industry spectrum – from civil aviation companies to aircraft manufacturers, weapons systems, drone producers, and advanced startups in air transportation and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

However, alongside the anticipation and opportunity, this year's show comes with particularly heightened tension regarding Israeli defense companies' participation – and even visits by Israeli aircrew members – against the backdrop of growing political pressure in Europe.

As of April 2025, Israeli defense industries are officially permitted to participate by the show's organizers. Companies such as Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, Rafael, and others are expected to showcase cutting-edge technologies, including interception systems, tactical drones, intelligence aircraft, precision missiles, and more.

Nevertheless, there is genuine concern that the public and political pressure that led to the exclusion of Israeli companies from the Eurosatory exhibition in 2024 (which were eventually reinstated by order of the French court) and the repeated attempts to prevent Israeli companies from participating in the Euronaval maritime exhibition held in October of that year – rejected again by the Paris Commercial Court – will repeat themselves. Pro-Palestinian groups, some with political backing from the extreme left in Europe, have begun applying pressure to cancel Israeli companies' participation, claiming "human rights violations" during military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.

In 2024, weeks before the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris, a French government decision banned any industrial entity from Israel from participating. This move sparked protests in Israel, anger in the defense industry, and even disappointment among European partners. While a similar decision regarding the Air Show is not currently expected, concerns remain, especially given the escalation in political discourse and rising antisemitism in Europe since early 2024. Relations with French President Emmanuel Macron are also tense on a personal level, and it's uncertain how he might react and whether he will attempt to repeat the actions taken before Eurosatory and Euronaval last year.

The companies aren't the only ones concerned. Professional visitors, defense industry personnel, and even Israeli pilots and aircrew members planning to visit the exhibition, whether in civilian capacity or as part of professional delegations, are raising concerns about potential discomfort at airports, as has happened in Europe in recent years to high-ranking Israeli officers.

The chairman of the Israeli Pilots Association, Captain Meidan Barr, expressed optimism instead: "The long-standing partnership between us and the French industries is strong, and I'm not worried that it will be harmed. In fact, the events surrounding Eurosatory and Euronaval prove that attempts to restrict us did not succeed and were stopped by the French justice system. There's no reason why this should be any different this time."

Although the French government has not yet declared any official restrictions, campaigns to boycott Israeli representatives maintain a strong public presence on social media and among local activists. Security services in Western European countries have previously warned of attempts to "politicize" professional exhibitions, and concerns grow that the show could become an arena for media confrontations and demonstrations.

Despite these challenges, the Air Show continues to be a significant platform for business opportunities and international connections. In 2023 alone, deals worth over $150 billion were closed during the exhibition, including large contracts between countries, private companies, and small suppliers.

For Israel, the show serves as a platform to showcase Israeli defense and civilian innovation, especially in unmanned systems, AI solutions for aerial intelligence, advanced navigation systems, and electronic warfare. Demand for Israeli military systems has grown significantly during the war, thanks to the impressive proven capabilities of systems such as Iron Dome and Arrow.

In civil aviation, Israel also has much to offer, such as the conversion of 777 aircraft to cargo planes, an area where Israel Aerospace Industries is a world pioneer. The show also allows exposure of technologies to potential customers from Asia, South America, and Africa, regions where demand for Israeli systems is rising. This is a particularly important opportunity during this period, when many professionals and tourists avoid traveling to Israel due to the war and security tensions.

The 2025 Air Show may redefine Israel's standing in the international aviation and security arena. As professional events become increasingly politicized, participation in such exhibitions becomes not just a technological or marketing matter, but also a political statement.

Israel's main challenge is to maintain its international presence while standing firm against political pressures, maintaining direct contact with host countries, coordinating with local security agencies, and being prepared to address criticism intelligently.

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American F-15 fighter jets, outfitted with a cutting-edge radar system, thwarted about 75 Iranian Shahed drones during the April 13 Iranian assault on Israel, according to retired General Rob Novotny, who oversees fighter jet business development at Boeing.

Novotny shared this information on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Farnborough Airshow in England. The radar system manufactured by Raytheon is also a key component of the new F-15EX model that Israel intends to acquire, subject to Congressional approval. The initial order encompasses 25 aircraft, with options for an additional 50, bringing the potential total to 75 jets.

"No further sales pitch is necessary," Novotny stated. "This radar has proven its exceptional worth in combat." Boeing's chief F-15 test pilot, Matt "Phat" Giese, also participated in the briefing. He revealed that an F-15 carrying 12 training missiles is part of the airshow's aerobatic display, alongside an unarmed "clean" aircraft.

"Right after takeoff, I execute a highly intricate maneuver with the aircraft called a swirl loop, which has never been performed before with an armed jet. The aircraft doesn't sacrifice an ounce of capability despite the attached missiles," Giese remarked enthusiastically.

Elbit Systems, exhibiting through its British subsidiary, follows the pattern of other Israeli companies by primarily showcasing models within its stand rather than displaying full systems on the ground.

The booth features two of the world's most advanced helmets, drawing considerable attention from attendees. The first, designed for helicopter pilots and bearing a resemblance to Darth Vader's iconic headgear, is called X-Sight. This modular helmet incorporates a mission computer running an artificial intelligence algorithm, delivering a crisp, clear, and precise image. It enables low-altitude flying and identifies hard-to-spot ground obstacles and threats in all weather conditions.

Sagi Peleg, VP of Business Development & Strategy in the Aerospace Division, explained that this system fuses data from various sensors to present pilots with a comprehensive, integrated view. "We're implementing a completely novel strategy, offering pilots an augmented reality system that provides a combined picture constructed from various sensors and synthetic processors."

This advancement means pilots can see power lines in the field along with their height, clearly marked with numbers. "The days of separate displays for radar, weapons systems, and other components are behind us. Now, all the information is consolidated and processed into a single, comprehensive picture."

The helmet is part of Elbit's new comprehensive strategic suite, available to both helicopter and fighter jet pilots – a holistic solution displayed on a single screen.

The second helmet, dubbed "Zero G," represents a significant upgrade to the advanced helmet used by F-35 pilots worldwide and in other cutting-edge aircraft: it's remarkably lightweight. "The original helmet, packed with technologies, was quite heavy," Peleg explained. "Pilots reported neck pain due to the weight. We've drastically reduced it, greatly alleviating the physical strain on pilots," he concluded.

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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.

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.

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.

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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