Germany’s selection of the Israeli-designed PULS rocket artillery system over Lockheed Martin’s options signals a shift in European defense procurement. Berlin signed a $57 million contract with Elbit, choosing a system that can fire rockets from multiple manufacturers, unlike Lockheed’s proprietary GMLRS launchers. U.S. restrictions currently prevent Lockheed missiles from being used with PULS, though Germany will maintain its MARS launchers for existing stock. The decision challenges Lockheed’s market dominance and reflects Germany’s push for greater defense autonomy. Berlin is also exploring European missile production to reduce reliance on U.S. suppliers. Original news
Category: Israel
Germany Selects Elbit’s Euro PULS Rocket System Over Rheinmetall and Lockheed
Germany has chosen Elbit Systems’ Euro PULS artillery rocket launchers over Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin’s Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System. The decision, announced on February 6, includes an initial contract worth $57 million. The selection was part of a broader agreement involving the German, Dutch, and Israeli governments. KNDS-Germany also played a role, leveraging its experience in upgrading the German Army’s M270 MLRS. The deal strengthens Germany’s artillery capabilities while deepening defense ties with Israel and European allies. Original news
Slovakia Finalizes €560 Million Deal for Israeli Barak MX Air Defense System
Slovakia has signed a €560 million ($583 million) agreement to acquire the Israeli-made Barak MX air defense system, marking the largest defense deal between the two nations. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Barak MX provides protection against threats such as ballistic missiles, UAVs, and cruise missiles, with interceptors boasting a range of up to 150 kilometers. Israeli officials, including Defense Ministry Director General Eyal Zamir, praised the deal as a milestone in enhancing Slovakia’s defense capabilities and meeting NATO standards. This purchase adds to Slovakia’s recent acquisitions of Israeli defense technology, such as Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles and […]
Slovakia to purchase Israel’s Barak MX air defense system for €560 million
The Slovak Defense Ministry announced the purchase of the Barak MX air defense system from Israel for €560 million, marking a significant boost to its defense capabilities. This is Israel’s third sale of the system, following agreements with Cyprus and Azerbaijan. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, the Barak MX counters a range of threats, including drones, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. The deal is seen as a “landmark” step in bolstering Slovakia’s air defense and strengthening defense ties between Israel and Slovakia, according to the Israel Ministry of Defense. This acquisition reflects Slovakia’s commitment to modernizing its military in […]
German Navy tests BlueWhale underwater drone for covert ship tracking
The German Navy tested the BlueWhale underwater drone in the Baltic Sea last month as part of efforts to develop a fleet of unmanned vessels for anti-submarine warfare. Manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the BlueWhale is equipped with cameras and sensors for detecting submarines and mines while operating without emitting detectable signals. The tests, conducted in collaboration with Atlas Elektronik, support Germany’s “Marine 2035+” strategy to integrate unmanned technologies into naval operations. Dror Bar of IAI highlighted the drone’s compatibility with existing NATO interfaces, enabling seamless integration into alliance networks. This marks a significant step in modernizing Germany’s naval […]
German Navy tests BlueWhale autonomous underwater vehicle
The German Navy conducted a two-week trial of the BlueWhale extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV) from Israel Aerospace Industries in the Baltic Sea. This trial was part of the Navy’s Operational Experimentation (OPEX) initiative, supporting the Marine 2035 and Beyond strategy to address evolving security threats. The tests focused on evaluating new technologies under realistic conditions. Boaz Levy, IAI’s president and CEO, emphasized that autonomous submarines have the potential to revolutionize naval operations. He compared their transformative impact to that of unmanned aircraft, enabling extended missions without human operators. Original news
Greece in talks with Israel to develop 2 bln euro ‘Iron Dome’
Greece is in discussions with Israel to collaborate on a €2 billion project to develop an anti-aircraft and missile defense system similar to Israel’s Iron Dome. This endeavor is part of a larger effort by Greece to modernize its military capabilities in light of its ongoing rivalry with Turkey, despite recent improvements in diplomatic relations. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has confirmed the initiative, which falls under a comprehensive 10-year military procurement strategy. The strategy includes plans to acquire up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets and drones from the U.S., as well as four Belharra frigates and Rafale jets […]
Israel moves forward on deploying Arrow-3 missile defence system in Germany in 2025
Israel’s Defense Ministry has started joint preparations with Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defence to deploy the Arrow-3 missile interception system on German soil by 2025. Key discussions have taken place at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), with participation from Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems and Germany’s MBDA Deutschland GmbH. The Arrow system, which includes both Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors, was developed in cooperation with the United States to defend against long-range ballistic missiles. Valued at $3.5 billion, this defense sale reflects Germany’s intensified military investments, prompted by heightened security concerns following the Ukraine conflict. The Arrow-3’s capability to intercept missiles outside […]
Israel Signs Deal To Expand Iron Beam Production
Israel’s defense ministry has signed a 2 billion shekel ($536 million) agreement with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems to scale production of the Iron Beam, a laser-based missile defense system. Expected to be operational within a year, Iron Beam is designed to intercept various aerial threats, including rockets, drones, and cruise missiles. This high-power laser system will work alongside the Iron Dome, which relies on radar-guided missiles for short-range threat interception. Defense Ministry Director Eyal Zamir called the Iron Beam contract a milestone that marks a “new era in warfare.” Experts highlight Iron Beam as a cost-effective solution, […]
IAI unveils new lightweight, electronic warfare-resistant ‘Teaser’ guided missile
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has developed a new lightweight missile called Teaser, which is the first guided missile to use external optical guidance without a homing sensor. Weighing less than five pounds and capable of being shoulder-launched, the missile operates without relying on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), making it immune to GNSS jamming. Teaser can hit targets up to 2.5 kilometers away using an ACLOS (Automatic Command to Line-of-Sight) system and is designed for infantry and special forces to target light structures, vehicles, or personnel. It can be launched from enclosed spaces or remotely via a Ground Control Station, […]
Israel Launches Competition For Defense Companies To Develop Defensive Measures Against Drones
Israel’s government has initiated a competition among eight companies to enhance its military’s ability to intercept drones, particularly those launched by Iran and Hezbollah. The Defence Ministry aims to rapidly develop and deploy new operational capabilities within months, selecting top technologies after evaluating trial results. This effort responds to growing drone threats, such as Hezbollah’s recent “swarm of drones” attack that evaded Israeli air defenses. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant highlighted the need for a concentrated national effort to counter UAV threats originating from Iran and its regional allies. Major defense firms like Elbit Systems, Rafael, and Israel Aerospace Industries are […]
Businesses reposition amid growing demand for solid rocket motors
#analysis After acquiring Aerojet Rocketdyne in July 2024, L3Harris became a significant player in the missile and rocket propulsion market. Ross Niebergall, the new division chief, has been working to streamline production processes and address supply chain bottlenecks, particularly for critical weapons like the Javelin and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System. The acquisition positions L3Harris to meet the rising global demand for rocket motors, driven by conflicts in regions like Ukraine and the Pacific. Other companies, such as Anduril Industries and X-Bow Systems, are also expanding into the rocket propulsion market, highlighting growing competition and innovation. Analysts predict the market […]
Rafael to unveil new battlefield air defense solution
At the upcoming AUSA (Association of the United States Army) annual meeting, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will unveil new unmanned air defense systems designed to offer ground troops comprehensive protection and enhanced combat capabilities. Among the systems being showcased are the laser-based Lite Beam and the 30 mm Samson remote weapon system, both mounted on four-wheeled vehicles. These systems will provide ground forces with flexible and extensive defense against advanced aerial threats, including UAVs. Rafael will also highlight the enhanced capabilities of its Trophy active protection system for military vehicles, which has demonstrated its effectiveness against various battlefield threats in […]
Trophy System Gets Upgrade to Counter Top-Attack Threats
Israeli defense contractor Rafael has upgraded its Trophy active protection system to defend against top-attack threats, addressing vulnerabilities posed by drones and missiles targeting vehicles from above. This enhancement was showcased in a live-fire test video, where the system intercepted a drone descending toward a vehicle’s turret. The upgrade is available through a software update for existing Trophy systems, though specific details of the new capabilities remain undisclosed. Trophy uses sensors, radar, and physical interceptors to destroy incoming projectiles and is already deployed on Israeli Merkava tanks, American Abrams tanks, and has been tested on Stryker APCs and Bradley Fighting […]
Indexes end down as Iran launches missiles at Israel; defense shares rise
U.S. stocks closed lower on Tuesday, with the Nasdaq dropping over 1%, as escalating tensions in the Middle East rattled investors. Despite the broader market decline, defense stocks surged following Iran’s missile strikes on Israel. Shares of Northrop Grumman jumped 3%, and Lockheed Martin rose 3.6%, pushing the S&P 500 aerospace and defense index to a record high. Energy stocks like Exxon Mobil also gained, driven by a 2.4% increase in oil prices. The defense sector’s rise contrasted with declines in other areas, as investors sought safe havens amidst growing geopolitical uncertainty. Original news