Israel’s defense industry unveils new weapons at Paris defense exhibition
JERUSALEM — SIBAT, the International Military Cooperation Directorate of Israel’s Ministry of Defense, is anticipated to lead a strong display of the country’s defense industry at the Eurosatory defense exhibition commencing on June 13 in Paris, launching an Israeli pavilion with 56 local companies.
SIBAT’s director for Europe and North America, Amira Ilany, stated, “Europe is one of our most significant markets.” She stated that there is global interest in Israel’s “leading-edge innovations.” Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries, and Elbit Systems are Israel’s three largest defense contractors.
Israel’s defense industry unveils new weapons at Paris defense exhibition
Israel’s defense industry unveils new weapons at Paris defense exhibition
SIBAT officials are expected to promote small and medium-sized businesses in particular. The government considers these tiny businesses to be an integral component of the ministry’s value system. We place the utmost significance on bolstering these new industries, and many of them will be present at the next Eurosatory show,” added Ilany.
The primary focus of the dozens of Israeli companies exhibiting at Eurosatory is cutting-edge technology. This involves the use of artificial intelligence, accuracy in spotting threats or targeting systems, unmanned platforms and advanced applications for ground forces, autonomous systems, real-time data linkages, thermal sights, and surveillance technology.
These technologies, some of which are currently operational in Israel or have been demonstrated overseas, build on Momentum, Israel’s recent multi-year defense plan. The approach emphasizes deploying technology to frontline units and integrating formations through data and communications. Israel’s political leadership has recently emphasized a shift toward laser air defenses, and Israel’s military sector as a whole is attempting to include artificial intelligence while also doubling down on target detection and situational awareness.
As a result, Israeli enterprises travel to Europe with a plethora of recently created technology or enhanced capabilities for existing systems, many of which are Eurosatory-related.
On June 9, for instance, Rafael unveiled its new Spike NLOS sixth-generation precision missile. Rafael’s Spike family is utilized by 39 countries. In Europe, Rafael, Diehl Defence GmbH, and Rheinmetall Electronics sell it under the name Eurospike.
Rafael claims that its newest variant has increased standoff range (up to 50 kilometers), can be launched in salvos of up to four missiles, can be fired from a single platform, such as a helicopter, and can be handed off to ground-based operators for guidance. According to the manufacturer, it includes image-matching functionality.
In addition to the new missile, Rafael is displaying a “new concept called the NLOS Mission Taskforce,” or NMT, a technology package that enables small units to engage distant or concealed targets.
Rafael relates the significance of these systems to the need for battlefield mobility and force protection with systems such as its Spyder air-defense system and I-Dome, the mobile version of Iron Dome.
“The security situation in Europe has revealed the need for such defense technologies,” the company said in a statement. “These technologies must be able to cover vast areas and be easily deployed and relocated according to the needs of the assets in the given arena.”
The UVision loitering munitions systems will be integrated into “next-generation manned and unmanned infantry fighting vehicles” as part of a partnership between Rheinmetall and Israel’s Uvision. This appears to be a reference to the Ukraine conflict.
These weapons will provide “frontline forces with a new, independent capability to locate, track, and accurately eliminate heavily-armored targets at long ranges and in challenging battlefield conditions,” according to a statement from UVision.
Israel’s defense industry unveils new weapons at Paris defense exhibition
IAI emphasized the significance of threat detection for mobile units. Othello-P is a passive, high-performance Gunfire Detection System (GDS) with integrated artificial intelligence processing, according to the company.
The system is designed to detect handguns, RPGs, and subsonic munitions. It can be installed on a variety of unmanned platforms and vehicles. IAI emphasized in a statement that the system originated from its Innovation Center, which is staffed by former Israel Defense Forces engineers.
The conflict in Ukraine serves as a backdrop for the Defense Ministry and a number of Israeli enterprises displaying cutting-edge technologies. “We have learned from past mistakes. “As a result of the European crisis, all nations are evaluating the situation there in terms of force construction,” stated Ilany.
“Other countries are assessing [their needs] for defense systems all over the world, and everyone is watching quite closely,” she said. “I believe that this will lead to a significant increase in investment in defense systems worldwide.”
Among the various new technologies showcased, unmanned systems and additions to current unmanned capabilities are highlighted. Steadicopter, for instance, is promoting its new Golden Eagle, which the company describes as “the first unmanned helicopter with precise-hit capabilities.” It utilizes artificial intelligence and Smart Shooter’s Smash Dragon system, which is essentially a rifle incorporated into a drone.
Robotican introduces Rooster, a “hybrid drone-robot for indoor and tunnel scanning missions.” It also manufactures Goshawk drone interceptors. Third Eye Systems, a specialist in unmanned aerial vehicles, has developed a new version of its Chimera payload for UAVs that includes day and night sensors and vision-based object recognition.
As the Ukraine conflict exceeds 100 days, tectonic shifts in the defense postures of the United States, Europe, and other nations have led to a new emphasis on Israel’s defense sector as a provider of standard equipment.
This includes rumors of German interest in the Arrow 3 air defense system and constant inquiries as to whether Israeli systems such as Spike could be provided to Ukraine.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and defense businesses have declined to comment on these reports, although Israel is highly aware of the importance of monitoring end users and third parties that acquire Israeli systems.
“The Ministry is engaged in a comprehensive process with relevant entities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When examining licensing procedures, we take into account humanitarian issues and government stability, as Ilany explains. “Each customer is required to present us with their end-user certificate, which we confirm through the licensing process.”