The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D) has successfully completed an extensive series of operational trials testing approximately 20 advanced counter-drone technologies.
Since October 7, 2023, at least 1,300 drones launched by Iranian proxies — and Iran itself — have targeted Israelis from Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Iran. Of those, 231 successfully penetrated Israeli defenses, causing numerous casualties and major damage.
Nine Israeli defense industries and startups demonstrated various drone interception and neutralization technologies on Tuesday (Feb. 4) using both projectile-based systems and counter-drones at a testing field in southern Israel.
The testing followed an initial series of trials conducted in October 2024 under the directive of Defense Ministry Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir.
The ministry is conducting an accelerated competitive process for finding interception solutions to address the defense challenges currently faced by the Jewish State.
Defense Minister Israel Katz, ministry Deputy Director General and Head of Planning Itamar Graff, head of DDR&D, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. Daniel Gold, IDF head of the Planning and Force Build-Up Directorate, Maj. Gen. Eyal Harel, and other senior officials led the final testing.
The trials featured systems produced by major defense contractors, including Elbit Systems, Rafael, and Israel Aerospace Industries, alongside several startups, showcasing their progress in developing technological solutions for drone interception.
As part of the competition, the industries deployed interception system prototypes developed under DDR&D leadership, demonstrating drone interception capabilities at various ranges, speeds, and altitudes.
Following the analysis of current trial results, the IMOD plans to select several technologies for accelerated development and production processes, aiming to deploy the new operational capabilities immediately. Industry CEOs also attended the trials alongside senior IDF and Ministry officials.
Tuesday’s trial was one of several initiatives aimed at addressing the growing threat of surveillance and attacks by military drones.
Israel has partnered with the US Department of Defense (DoD) Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) to develop technologies for detecting and neutralizing UAS (unmanned aerial systems) that endanger both nations.
More than 20 American C-UAS experts from across the Defense Department participated in the blind test.
“The UAV threat is an evolving and multi-arena threat that has expanded to all our combat sectors, led by Iran and its proxies,” the Defense Minister said.
“This threat has already extracted a heavy human toll from us, which is why we have mobilized all tools to develop an effective response. The series of tests we conducted represents a national effort led by the DDR&D, with participation from major defense companies alongside innovative startups. Everyone has joined the mission with the understanding that defending Israel’s skies is a top priority.”
“The defense establishment is determined to complete a comprehensive defensive response to the drone threat, as we have done for threats in the upper layers,” the DDR&D director underscored.
“We have defined an operational architecture with the IDF, including detection, tracking, and interception layers. In this series of follow-up trials, we witnessed the advancement of sophisticated drone interception capabilities, which will now enter an accelerated development process under DDR&D leadership.”
Participating Companies and Their Developments included:
* Elbit Systems demonstrated an advanced radar-based interception system with interceptor drones, a hard-kill drone-based defense system against missiles and drones, and an integrated 30mm cannon with radar enabling long-range detection and interception.
* Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) presented the C-UAS development, an autonomous spatial system for handling UAV threats based on SOI. The solution includes a sensor array and distributed interception systems, including an advanced technology concept electric missile for long range, a short-range drone interceptor, and a 30mm cannon.
* Rafael Advanced Defense Systems showcased the Mini Typhoon, a remote-controlled medium-range weapon system for aerial threat interception, alongside innovative drone-based interception systems.
* Airobotics demonstrated an advanced system featuring reusable interceptors for UAV engagement.
* Tamar Group is repurposing automatic rapid-fire projectile weapon systems that were taken out of service and converting them into systems capable of UAV interception.
* Xtend, in cooperation with Axioma and Elbit Systems, demonstrated an advanced drone-based interception system.
* General Robotics showcased a development for projectile interception at medium ranges, plus an innovative advanced machine gun-based solution.
* SMARTSHOOTER presented a unique development enabling precise guidance for a wide range of interception methods.
* Robotican demonstrated two advanced multi-purpose drone interception systems.
* Elisra, a member of Elbit Systems, in cooperation with an American company, presented a net-based interceptor drone.
