Israel
The Israeli Navy completed a military exercise last week that included the Shayetet 3 missile boat unit. The training included a defensive exercise that simulated a missile strike on an Israeli natural gas rig. Another scenario simulated attacking an enemy’s ship with two naval cruise missiles. The exercises were intended to improve the Israeli Navy’s preparedness to defend the exclusive economic sea zone against ballistic threats, specifically from advanced missiles such as Russia’s Yakhont, as well as to test the operational use of the Sa’ar’s newly installed radar system.
Israeli forces launched an unannounced military drill in the Golan Heights. According to the Israeli Defense Forces, the drills were “planned in advance as part of the 2018 training schedule” and do not relate to the recent events in the area. The Israeli exercise in the Golan Heights occurred amidst increasing tensions between Israel and Iran, following Israeli attacks on Iranian forces positioned in Syria.
A delegation of senior Russian defense and intelligence officials meet with their Israeli counterparts from Israel’s defense ministry last week. The two countries discussed current Russian security challenges and terrorism in the Middle East, including Israeli concerns over Iranian forces and Shiite militias in southern Syria. This meeting occurred following recent Russian calls for all non-Syrian forces to vacate the Syrian-Israeli border.
Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman ordered the IDF to create a new unit specializing in ground-to-ground missiles and appropriated $500 million for the group to start development. Government plans could allocate an additional $2 billion to the group over the next 10 years.
Israeli Military Technology
Rafael is working on new technologies to protect against incendiary kites launched from the Gaza Strip. The defense contractor plans to use drones to intercept the flying incendiary devices before they land in Israel. Around seven square miles of Israeli territory has been burned in more than 250 fires due to burning kites.
Honeywell and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have signed an agreement to collectively design a GPS anti-jam navigation system to safeguard airborne avionic systems. The joint project will combine IAI’s GPS anti-jam technologies with Honeywell’s navigation products.
Carmor Integrated Vehicle Solution has plans to unveil its novel line of Mantis all-terrain vehicles at the Eurosatory 2018 defense trade show in Paris this week. The Mantis vehicles come in four variations that can seat anywhere between three to eight riders. These vehicles offer drivers a full field of vision for combat, as well as customization in the weapons equipped allowing for a wide-range of military use.
IAI developed a hybrid robotic system for surveillance and border patrol, known as RoBattle UVG, that combines both land and aerial flight capabilities. The system allows for continuous operation in complex and dangerous areas mitigating risk to human life. The system assists in a variety of missions including ambushes, surveillance, target detection, remote threat neutralization, and more.
The Israel Military Industries and the IAI have reached the final development stages of a new air-to-surface missile, referred to as the Rampage. The production of the 15.4-foot-long missile will commence this upcoming year. The Israel Air Force will likely purchase the rocket to complete operational needs. The rocket features the ability to control and monitor the extent of its shrapnel, allowing for accurate strikes with minimum collateral damage.
Elbit Systems plans to unveil multiple new radio setups including a new manpack MCTR-7200 SDR radio, as well as more compact single and double channel vehicular radios. This new technology facilitates integration of all combat vehicle types, including armored fighting trucks and main battle tanks.
Foreign Military Sales
India is planning to order Israeli Spike missiles in an attempt to boost its anti-tank capabilities to protect against Pakistan. The Indian Army wants to purchase the Spike missiles as a “stop-gap” measure before the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization develops an anti-tank rocket domestically. The purchase proposal is currently in an advanced stage and is awaiting the approval of the Indian government. This new deal emerges after India terminated an agreement to buy $500-million worth of Spike missiles in January 2018.
IAI has been granted a contract to update mobile and stationary ground-based signal intelligence and electronic warfare systems for an unnamed European customer. The contract, worth over $150 million, includes multiple fixed sites and mobile systems. The modernized system will provide dual civilian and military ground, as well as Air Situational Picture and Electronic Order of Battle Picture.
Regional Developments
The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait agreed to send a $2.5 billion aid package to Jordan. Jordan’s King Abdullah stated that the funds would help the nation overcome its ongoing economic crisis. Amman expressed its overwhelming gratitude for the agreed-upon aid package, with the Jordanian Royal Court noting that the monetary subsidy has strengthened “brotherly ties between Jordan and the Arab countries.”
JPC intern Brandon Becker compiled this report.
