Israel asks its defense sector to help foil drone attacks

Israel’s government has turned to industry to bolster the military’s ability to intercept aerial drones launched by Iran or Hezbollah.

The Defense Ministry says it has launched a competition among eight large and small companies.

“After analyzing the trial results, the Defense Ministry will select several technologies to enter an accelerated development and production process. This aims to deploy new operational capabilities within months,” it says.

In addition to missiles, Iran, Hezbollah and others have used drones in attacks on Israel.

“The UAV threat is a multi-arena threat originating from Iran, which supplies UAVs to Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq, and even launches them itself,” said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

“We must concentrate the national effort… to produce operational solutions quickly.”

The ministry’s director general, Eyal Zamir, says it has already invested hundreds of millions of shekels in such capabilities.

Those participating include Israel’s top defense firms, Elbit Systems, Rafael, and Israel Aerospace Industries.