Israel Buys Advanced Drones to Bolster Battlefield Capabilities

Israel’s Defense Ministry announced the purchase of US$40 million worth of advanced drones and autonomous systems from Elbit Systems, an Israeli weapons and defense manufacturer.

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Under the contracts, Elbit will supply intelligence-collection drones, mission-specific drones, and mini-drones designed for precision strikes in urban areas.

The new systems feature “advanced capabilities and are designed for various missions, including precise intelligence gathering and targeted strikes,” said the ministry, adding that it strengthens the military’s autonomous combat capabilities on the battlefield.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has been engaged in multi-front conflicts involving Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and a major military campaign in Gaza. During this period, Israel has increasingly relied on drones for surveillance and precision strikes to monitor militant activity and conduct targeted operations. 

On Tuesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened Lebanon with an offensive against the entire state, and not just Hezbollah, should the truce with the Shiite group collapse, amid tensions over constant ceasefire violations between the two sides.

He appealed to the Lebanese government to direct its armed forces to ensure that Hezbollah remains north of the Litani River and dismantle its infrastructure: “If they don’t do that and this whole agreement collapses, the reality will be very clear.”

“If we go back to war we will act strongly, we will go deeper and, the most important thing for you to know, is that there will be no more exemptions for the State of Lebanon,” Katz said.