The Israeli Ministry of Defense has wrapped up a months-long demonstration and trial of new counter-drone solutions and is now set to select the top contenders for full funding.
Around 20 cutting-edge counter-drone systems from nine local manufacturers participated in the demo contest, which began in October 2024 and concluded last week.
Some of the solutions are gun-based, featuring 30mm cannons designed to neutralize hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Others utilize interceptor missiles or deploy large nets to capture their targets.
“The UAV threat is an evolving and multi-arena threat that has expanded to all our combat sectors,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz explained. “This threat has already extracted a heavy human toll from us, which is why we have mobilized all tools to develop an effective response.”
Notable participants in the trial included Elbit Systems, Rafael, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Participating Solutions
Elbit Systems showcased some of its advanced counter-drone technologies, including a radar-guided interceptor drone capable of neutralizing UAVs and even missiles.
IAI presented an autonomous spatial system designed to handle drone threats based on specific signals of interest.
Rafael introduced its Mini Typhoon remote-controlled weapon system, which targets aerial threats at medium ranges.
Other participating solutions included reusable interceptors from Airobotics, an automatic rapid-fire projectile system from Tamar Group, a machine-gun-based interceptor from General Robotics, and a net-deploying interceptor drone from Elisra.
— Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) February 5, 2025
Decision Expected Soon
The final demonstration, held in southern Israel’s Negev Desert and attended by top defense officials and industry representatives, allowed evaluators to assess the full range of capabilities of the participating solutions.
The location provided ample space for testing, ensuring no risk to civilian areas while simulating real-world conditions.
The evaluators tested the systems’ abilities to engage threats at various ranges, speeds, and altitudes.
“Upon completion of an analysis of the current experimental results, the Defense Ministry intends to choose a number of technologies that will enter into an accelerated development and manufacturing process,” the department stated.
While the ministry has not disclosed the number of systems to be fully funded or the timeline for the announcement, it emphasized that the funding will support rapid development to deploy new operational capabilities in the “immediate time frame.”
