Being under constant threat, Israel is always looking for an edge over its enemies. The race for powerful military technology is ongoing and ever expanding, be it on the ground, sea or air. The IDF acquires and creates new technologies to always stay one step ahead.
Here are Israel's Top 7 Newest Most Powerful Military Technologies
The F35I, The “Adir” (pronounced “Ah-Deer”), is Israel’s adaptation of the F35 fighter jet. It has the capabilities of a stealth, striker and reconnaissance jet, while also being equipped with electronic warfare capabilities, a highly advanced augmented reality heads up display, and a system that lets information be instantly transferred to allied planes in the area. Israel used the jet in one of its first ever public missions in 2018 in operation house of cards, allegedly striking Iranian targets in Syria. The operation was one of Israel’s biggest air campaigns in decades and the F35 Adir played a pivotal role in its success.
This luxury business jet is not destined to carry high value clientele, but instead even more valuable reconnaissance and intel equipment. The Gulfstream's G550 jet is fitted with highly advanced radar systems, as well as complex AI and algorithms to acquire targets and information in real time. It's both the most advanced intelligence gathering plane in Israel, and its most expensive with a 200 million dollar price tag. Israel will pay any price so that its citizens can sleep safer at night, and its enemies a little worse.
One of Israel's most trusted vehicles is the CH-53C sea stallion helicopter. It has been In constant use since the late 60’s, and the risks and cost of maintenance outweighs its benefits, so in the tail end of 2021 Israel purchased 12 of the helicopter’s upgraded version, the CH-53K King stallion. Developed by Sikorsky since 2011, the new version will have twice the lift capacity, a wider cargo hold, and an automatic flight control system for take offs and landings. The king stallion is set to be one of the most advanced heavy lifting carriers in the world.
The Skylark is a portable drone that can be flown day or night, under any conditions. The video it gathers can be displayed live to a battalion commander, or be used for searching for terrorist and tunnles. Created by Elbit Systems, skylark 3 is set to slowly replace the skylark 1, with longer distances, higher altitudes, and even a hybrid propulsion system. The drone is used in missions, to enhance the operational flexibility of its users, giving Israels artillery units the edge their enemies don’t have.
Created in 2019 and operational from 2020, Refaim has been vital in Israel's defense capabilities. The unit is composed of Israel's top commando, reconnaissance, air force, sea force, cyber and teleprocessing branches, as flexibility and self-reliance are its main objectives. Being able to work in any battlefield, under any condition by using every tool and device available. The unit is readying itself for any incoming threat and outcomes, while also being used to experiment with new tactics and technologies that later may trickle down to the rest of the IDF. Refaim is not just preparing for the future, it is the future of the battlefield.
The “Jaguar”, is a totally autonomous unmanned remote controlled armed robot, being deployed on the gaza border. The robot is armed with at least two AI controlled turrets that can only shoot if given explicit permission, an advanced system of sensors and cameras to track and see its surroundings, the ability to gather reconnices for its assigned unit and the capacity to carry up to 2 injured people on its back. It was designed specifically for the Gaza border, its build and programming curated to the area's unique and sometimes harsh conditions. The jaguar is the next step and evolution in Israel's mission to keep its citizens and soldiers safe and out of harm's reach.
Every day Israel’s enemies are growing more dangerous. To stay one step ahead, Israel has succeeded in creating one of the world’s first and most powerful laser defense systems. It may sound like something out of a science fiction movie but it’s actually true. Planned to be deployed in the air, sea and land, the Iron beam has already proven itself in many tests, taking out mortars, rockets, anti tank missiles, and UAVs. The advanced laser has exceeded expectations with its power and capabilities, while also being a lot cheaper. In compresent, the iron dome averages 80,000 dollars per missile, while the estimation for the Iron beam is just 5 dollars per firing. With almost limitless ammunition and the flexibility to be deployed virtually anywhere, Israel and the iron beam will shape the future of its defense.
