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.