Israeli Ministry of Defense

Following the severe events in the Netherlands, the Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, held a situation assessment this morning with ministry officials and IDF representatives. The IMOD maintains ongoing contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel and the National Security Council, and is making all its capabilities available to them.

Israel MOD Acquires 25 Advanced F-15 Aircraft for $5.2 Billion The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) signed yesterday (Wednesday) a landmark transaction to acquire the next generation of F-15 fighter jets, purchasing 25 advanced aircraft from Boeing. The $5.2 billion agreement, part of a broader package of U.S. aid approved by the U.S. Administration and Congress earlier this year, includes an option for 25 additional aircraft. The deal was finalized yesterday following negotiations between the IMOD’s Mission to the U.S. and Boeing in collaboration with the Israeli Air Force. Director General of the IMOD, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir signed the procurement authorization during his visit to the United States last month. The new F-15IA aircraft will be equipped with cutting-edge weapon systems, including the integration of state of the art Israeli technologies. The upgraded aircraft will feature enhanced range capabilities, increased payload capacity, and improved performance across various operational scenarios. These advantages will enable the Israeli Air Force to maintain its strategic superiority in addressing current and future challenges in the Middle East. Delivery of the F-15 aircraft will begin in 2031, with 4-6 aircraft to be supplied annually. This procurement marks a significant milestone in deepening the defense cooperation between Israel and the United States, reflecting their mutual commitment to regional security. Director General of the IMOD, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir: "The Ministry is executing a comprehensive strategy to enhance the IDF's operational capabilities. We have secured procurement agreements worth nearly $40 billion (approximately NIS 150 billion) since the onset of the war. While focusing on immediate needs for advanced weaponry and ammunition at unprecedented levels, we're simultaneously investing in long-term strategic capabilities. This F-15 squadron, alongside the third F-35 squadron procured earlier this year, represents a historic enhancement of our air power and strategic reach - capabilities that proved crucial during the current war. We continue to advance similar transformative agreements across all IDF domains - from air and naval forces to ground operations, intelligence, and beyond." President of Boeing Israel, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Ido Nehushtan: "Boeing takes pride in its longstanding partnership with Israel, a relationship that dates back to our nation's establishment. The company will continue working with the U.S. and Israeli governments to deliver the advanced F-15IA aircraft through standard military procurement channels." In the Photo: Director General of the IMOD, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, Head of the IMOD’s Mission to the U.S., Aviram Hasson, and Senior Deputy Head of the Mission, Offer Zavatzky. Photo credits: Signing ceremony: Israel Ministry of Defense Aircraft digital visualization: Boeing

Israel Defense Prize 2024 Awarded for Groundbreaking Defense Technologies that Proved Critical During the Swords of Iron War President of Israel Isaac Herzog, Israel Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, and Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir awarded the 2024 Israel Defense Prize today (Sunday) to five remarkable projects developed by the Israel Ministry of Defense, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Mossad, the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), and Israeli defense industries. The awarded projects include the Israeli-developed Namer Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), the David's Sling air defense system, and the 'Target Factory' project. Additionally, a Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Y. of the Mossad. These winning projects have significantly contributed to the country's security and maintained Israel's technological and operational superiority on the battlefield during the Swords of Iron War. The prestigious ceremony, held at the President's residence in Jerusalem, was attended by the Head of the ISA, Ronen Bar, the Head of the Mossad, David Barnea, and other senior officials.

The United States Marine Corps Have Successfully Completed Their First Live-Fire Training with an Air Defense System Integrating the Iron Dome Interceptor 🇺🇸🇮🇱 The system is based on an American radar and command-and-control center, combined with the Iron Dome (Tamir) interceptor and a mobile launcher developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Raytheon as a prime contractor. During the training, the Marines fully operated the system, leading to the successful interception of targets. Additionally, the continuous launch capability of the Iron Dome interceptors from a mobile launcher, developed specifically for the Marines, was tested. The training followed the completion of an entire training program and a series of tests as part of the development and acquisition plan led by the Marines to assess a new prototype system for medium-range intercept capability (MRIC). The successful training demonstrated the forces’ proficiency in fully operating the system, the performance of the mobile launcher developed for the Marines, and the capabilities of the Iron Dome interceptor in relevant and challenging interception scenarios. The Tamir interceptor can intercept cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and various rockets, artillery shells, and mortars. The interceptor is developed by Rafael, which partnered with Raytheon as prime contractor in adapting it to the Marine Corps's configuration and in training support. The success of the live-fire exercise marks a significant milestone toward the operational deployment of the first prototype battery for the Marines. The Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) at the DDR&D (MAFAT) - Directorate of Defense Research & Development of the Israel Ministry of Defense leads the development of Israel’s multi-layered defense system, which is based on four operational defense layers: the Iron Dome Defense System, the David’s Sling Weapon System, and the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 Weapon Systems.

Historic Ceremony in Germany Marks the Launch of the First Leopard Tank Equipped with Israeli TROPHY Active Protection System 🇩🇪🇮🇱 In a landmark ceremony held today (Tuesday, October 29), the Israel Ministry of Defense and the German Federal Ministry of Defence | Bundesministerium der Verteidigung inaugurated the first Leopard 2 tank upgraded with the Israeli TROPHY Active Protection System, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. This deployment follows a 2020 agreement, spearheaded by the Ministry’s R&D Unit in the DDR&D (MAFAT) - Directorate of Defense Research & Development, to equip Germany’s Leopard 2 tank fleet with Israel’s premier active protection technology. The ceremony, attended by Viceadmiral Carsten Stawitzki, National Armaments Director in the German Ministry of Defense, highlights the deepening defense ties between Germany and Israel. This milestone adds to a series of recent high-value defense agreements, including Germany’s purchase of Israel’s Arrow missile defense system, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing defense capabilities. The TROPHY system was developed in collaboration with the IMoD’s DDR&D, the Tank and APC Administration, and RAFAEL and is the world's only operational and most advanced active protection system of its kind. Designed to protect tanks and armored personnel carriers, TROPHY offers robust defense against an extensive array of anti-tank threats. Operational in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since 2011, it is installed on all newly produced Merkava Mark IV tanks and NAMER APCs. Proven in numerous operational activities, TROPHY has recorded multiple successful intercepts, safeguarding both troops and armored assets on the battlefield. In the photo, from right to left: Ltc. L., Head of the Survivability Systems Branch at the IMoD’s DDR&D; Viceadmiral Carsten Stawitzki, National Armaments Director in the German Ministry of Defense; M., IMoD’s DDR&D Representative in Germany; Mr. Frank Lobitz, German Project Manager Photo Credit: Israel Ministry of Defense

Major Milestone in High-Power Laser Intercept System Development: The Israel Ministry of Defense signed a landmark deal worth approximately NIS 2 billion (over $500 million) yesterday (Sunday) to expand serial production of Israel's first domestically developed laser interception system, the Iron Beam, with lead developers Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems. Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, signed the deal at a ceremony at the Ministry's headquarters in Tel Aviv attended by Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. Daniel Gold, Head of the DDR&D (MAFAT) - Directorate of Defense Research & Development; Yoav Tourgeman, CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems; Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, CEO of Elbit Systems; Dekel Cohen, CPA, Head of the Ministry's Finance Department; attorney Itay Ophir, Legal Advisor to the Defense Establishment; and other senior officials. Iron Beam is a ground-based high-power laser air defense system designed to counter aerial threats, including rockets, mortars, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles. The Ministry of Defense's (IMod) DDR&D’s R&D Unit leads the project with primary developers Rafael and Elbit Systems. The Iron Beam system represents a global technological breakthrough, with its impressive interception capabilities demonstrated through a series of successful trials. The system is expected to integrate into Israel's multi-layered defense array as a complementary capability to the Iron Dome system. This integration will significantly enhance Israel's defense capabilities against current and future threats while offering substantially lower operational costs.

SIBAT - Israel Ministry of Defense and leading Israeli defense industries participated in the Association of the United States Army - AUSA 2024 exhibition, showcasing a range of groundbreaking defense technologies. The event, held from October 14 to 16 in Washington, DC, saw sixteen leading Israeli companies presenting innovations that promise to reshape modern warfare and security operations. The Israeli mission engaged in meaningful discussions, reaffirming Israel's commitment to addressing evolving global security needs while fostering strong strategic alliances. Inaugurated by the head of SIBAT, Brig. Gen (Res.) Yair Kulas and the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog. The Israeli companies presented cutting-edge technologies across various categories, including Computers and Electronics, Logistics, Security and Protection, and UXV and Autonomy, while establishing new business connections and strengthening existing partnerships. Notably, Thermal Beacon Ltd., Steadicopter and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveiled new products at the exhibition. Thermal Beacon presented two new products: Orion, a helmet-mounted, all-in-one Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) beacon designed to ensure secure identification of friendly forces, providing crystal-clear distinction from other battlefield elements; and the Thermal Brake Illuminator, a thermal signaling device designed specifically for military armored platforms and special forces vehicles, emitting a distinct thermal signature detectable by Long and Mid-Wave Infrared cameras, functioning as a critical brake-backlight system to ensure safety during maneuvers when drivers use a thermal observation system. Steadicopter, in collaboration with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, unveiled the Golden Eagle Heavy Strike Rotary Unmanned Aerial System. This unmanned helicopter, weighing 50 kilograms, is equipped with Spike SR or LR2 missiles, providing precision strike capabilities at ranges of 2.5 and 5.5 kilometers, respectively. Designed for tactical operations and close air support, it offers rapid strike capabilities in complex environments, reducing risk to ground forces. The system features advanced sensors, including a high-definition day/night electro-optical/infrared payload and an optional AI-driven target tracking system, enabling effective operation in harsh conditions and varied terrains. Multiple Golden Eagle HS platforms can operate jointly, ensuring mission continuity and enhancing operational effectiveness.

Israel's Defense MOD Accelerates Development of Advanced Interception Technologies to Counter Drone Threats Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Israel's Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Gila Gamliel, Director General of the IMoD Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, IDF Deputy Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Amir Baram and Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold, head of the DDR&D (MAFAT) - Directorate of Defense Research & Development , led a first-of-its-kind trial yesterday (Monday) to identify and demonstrate new capabilities for intercepting Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This groundbreaking event showcased various solutions as part of an expedited competitive process initiated by the Defense Minister several weeks prior, to rapidly develop innovative interception solutions in response to the evolving security landscape. The trial took place at a testing field in southern Israel, with the participation of eight Israeli industries, ranging from major companies (Elbit Systems, Rafael, and Israel Aerospace Industries) to startup firms, presenting technological solutions for UAV interception. Solutions that met the threshold requirements in the demonstration phase will advance to accelerated development and operational testing. As part of the competition, the defense industries deployed prototypes of their interception systems, developed under DDR&D's leadership, and demonstrated UAV interception capabilities at various ranges and flight altitudes. After analyzing the trial results, the Ministry of Defense will select several technologies to enter an accelerated development and production process. This aims to deploy new operational capabilities within months. CEOs of defense industries and senior officials from the IDF and Ministry of Defense attended the trial.

The Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, convened the CEOs of major defense industries: Boaz Levy of IAI - Israel Aerospace Industries, Yoav Tourgeman of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Bezalel (Butzi) Machlis of Elbit Systems. The discussion, also attended by Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold, head of the Ministry’s DDR&D (MAFAT) - Directorate of Defense Research & Development, and other senior officials, covered a comprehensive defense review. Key topics included lessons learned, strengthening readiness, preparation for possible future escalations, and maintaining focused efforts on production and operational endurance during the ongoing war. The meeting also emphasized the growing capabilities of Israel's domestic defense manufacturing. Since October 7th, 2023, the Ministry has made local purchases amounting to tens of billions of shekels from the defense industries. DG of the IMoD, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir: "The defense industries are a strategic arm of the State of Israel and the foundation for endurance in a prolonged campaign. Their mobilization from the break of war, working around the clock and doubling production lines, is worthy of all appreciation. Most of our operational achievements and decisive capabilities stem from their developed defensive and offensive systems."

The Israel Ministry of Defense is proud to participate once again in the Association of the United States Army - AUSA exhibition. This event provides an invaluable platform for showcasing cutting-edge defense technologies and fostering international cooperation in the field of defense innovation.