Israel
The IDF announced that Israel’s new Namer armored personnel carrier has completed its first platoon-level Combat Engineering Battalion exercise in the Golan Heights. The updated APC successfully crossed steep anti-tank ditches and laid down a bridge for other military vehicles to cross. Namer will also host a Trophy active protection system that can intercept incoming rocket-propelled grenades.
The Israeli Air Force opened its new training facility for the elite “Shaldag” unit. The facility was constructed to emulate urban environments where commandos will likely conduct future combat missions.
Israeli Military Technology
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced at the ILA Berlin Air Show that it will include the Israeli-made multipurpose RecceLite imagery reconnaissance pod on Italian Air Force Predator B/MQ-9 planes. CEO of GA-ASI Linden Blue hopes that integration of this technology could to lead similar projects with other countries.
Israeli defense corporation UVision is working in conjunction with Raytheon to develop cutting edge suicide drones to fit requirements for use in the U.S. military. The Uvision Hero-30 is the lightest remotely-operated loitering munition used, allowing an individual soldier to carry up to three drones at one time.
Israel Military Industries (IMI) will work together with General Dynamics to produce a new lighter version of its Iron Fist Active Protection System as a part of a $250 million Modular Active Protection System program by the U.S. Army. The Iron First was first developed by IMI to counter attack anti-tank missiles and RPG rockets launched against IDF ground troops. U.S. companies Lockheed Martin and Raytheon will produce computer hardware and software for the defensive system.
Israeli Arms Sales
The U.S. plans to deliver three Super Hercules military transport planes to Israel by the end of the year at a cost of $75 million dollars each. The improved planes can carry more cargo than previous models, providing logistical enhancements for the IAF.
US Arms Sales
The Defense Department requested authorization from Congress to transfer $117 million to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency to support helicopter procurement for Jordanian security forces. Jordan will use the helicopters to conduct counterterrorism operations.
Boeing and the United States Air Force have announced the delay of the first KC-46A Pegasus aircraft, which is now set to be delivered in August 2017. The Israeli Air Force is interested in the release, hoping to replace its Boeing 707 tankers with the new KC-46A.
The State Department has approved a $420 million foreign military sale to fund technical services, testing facilities, administration assistance, and various support equipment to the Kuwaiti Air Force.
Regional Developments
The Turkish Armed Forces hosted the Efes-2016 Combined Joint Live Fire Exercise conducted in Western Anatolia. Participants of the drill included units from allied countries including the U.S., Germany, Azerbaijan, Poland, Britain, Qatar, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, in addition to spectators from 79 other countries. The exercise included an air assault drill, simulated air raids, rocket launcher deployments, and an evacuation of wounded personnel.
Egypt has received the first of its French Mistral amphibious assault. The Mistral is known for its advanced versatility having missile defense capabilities, navigation systems, and improved helicopter accessibility.
U.S. officials told Foreign Policy that the White House has placed a ban on the transfer of cluster bombs to Saudi Arabia in response to the violent war against Houthi rebels in Yemen, which has left hundreds of civilians dead.
