IAI’s Systems Lead Multi-Domain Defense in Operation Rising Lion
IAI
played a critical strategic role during the recent Operation Rising Lion,
serving as a national anchor for Israel. IAI’s advanced ground-based and
airborne radar systems successfully detected all incoming threats, enabling the
Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Israel’s Home Front Command to provide timely
warnings to civilians nationwide.
IAI’s Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 defence systems precisely
intercepted the ballistic missiles launched by Iran. At the same time, its
remotely crewed aircraft Heron (Shoval) and Heron TP (Eitan) operated
continuously for thousands of flights in the ‘third circle’, while protecting
the lives of Israeli forces. IAI’s Barak MX air and naval defence system
delivered a robust operational response to diverse aerial and maritime threats,
including cruise missiles, rockets, aircraft, and sea-to-sea missiles. In
addition, as Israel’s space house, IAI’s Ofek reconnaissance satellites scanned
tens of millions of square kilometres, delivering high-quality imagery using
electro-optical and radar sensors around the clock, while Amos communications
satellites ensured continuous essential communications for operational support
in all theatres of operation.
This is the first time that several of these technologies
have been deployed operationally in the ‘third circle,’ thousands of kilometres
from Israel, in combination with artificial intelligence. These systems enabled
seamless connectivity across all domains—land, sea, air and space—integrating
multiple battlefronts into a unified operational framework. This unprecedented
capability delivered real-time intelligence that directly informed
decision-making, both within Israel’s defence establishment and at the
political level.
According to IAI’s president and CEO, Boaz Levy, “The
State of Israel demonstrated to the world that it possesses some of the most
advanced and effective operational capabilities, underpinned by technological
superiority and strategic preparedness. In this latest war, Israel’s defence
industries, led by IAI, stood as a key pillar of national defence. For the
first time, our country faced a coordinated attack involving hundreds of
ballistic missiles, and we are proud that Israeli-developed systems delivered a
full-spectrum, strategic response across air, sea, land and space. This
achievement reflects years of tireless efforts of IAI’s employees, who have
worked around the clock since 7 October 2023, with one mission—to safeguard
Israel’s citizens. We remain firmly committed to developing the next generation
of innovative defence technologies that will ensure Israel stays steps ahead of
any threats, while continuing to support our global partners.”
During Operation Rising Lion, Israel faced a coordinated
and wide-ranging attack that included approximately 550 ballistic missiles
fired in parallel waves, alongside hundreds of cruise missiles, thousands of
UAVs and rockets, fired simultaneously from multiple theatres. This was an
unprecedented threat in terms of its intensity, pace, and operational
complexity. Among the operational systems deployed in the field were:
The Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 air-defense systems for
intercepting ballistic missiles at long ranges.
The Barak MX system, in its land version, successfully
intercepted aircraft, cruise missiles, and rockets; and in its naval version,
it successfully protected strategic assets at sea.
Advanced radars, including the Green Pine (Oren Yarok)
and Multi-Mission Radar (MMR) radars, detected, identified, and classified all
the airborne threats and directed a variety of interceptors at those incoming
threats until they were destroyed. These systems operated in full
synchronization with all of Israel’s security forces and withstood working
under conditions of extreme operational load. These systems demonstrated
exceptional durability, flexibility, and accuracy, even in the face of multiple
warhead threats, across multiple theatres and during intense combat. The
MF-STAR radars installed on the Israel Navy’s Saar-6 ships provided an accurate
aerial image and guided interceptors to their targets.
Israel’s air force made extensive use of a variety of
IAI’s technologies. The Nachshon Squadron’s Eitam, Shavit, and Oron
intelligence aircraft were used to collect strategic intelligence and provide
advanced command and control. Boeing B-707 refuelling aircraft transferred
millions of litres of fuel through more than seven hundred aerial-refuelling
operations, thus enabling Israel’s fighter jets to strike at great distances.
Communications and observation satellites equipped with
detection capabilities utilizing SAR radars (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and
electro-optical sensors transmitted critical intelligence information to
decision-makers. Additionally, electronic warfare systems, including COMINT and
ELINT, contributed to obtaining accurate intelligence and supporting
operations.
Heron (Shoval) and Heron TP (Eitan) remotely piloted
aircraft operated over long ranges, remaining airborne for extended periods,
transmitted precise visual and electronic intelligence, and provided
operational forces with a distinct intelligence advantage. These Unmanned
Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were integrated with a unique artificial intelligence
system, capable of performing data fusion from a variety of payloads, thus
providing a unified, multidimensional intelligence picture.
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