Stories by Seth J. Frantzman

At Israel’s northern border, growing concerns about Hezbollah as week 3 of war looms

At Israel’s northern border, growing concerns about Hezbollah as week 3 of war looms
At Israel’s northern border, growing concerns about Hezbollah as week 3 of war looms

Breaking Defense reporting near the border with Lebanon where the IDF presence is heavy with tanks, APCs and other vehicles driving along roads previously would have been packed with tourists and civilians, but are now deserted.

In Israel, Austin pledges more military aid and ‘ironclad’ support

In Israel, Austin pledges more military aid and ‘ironclad’ support
In Israel, Austin pledges more military aid and ‘ironclad’ support

Asked directly whether Israel bears “moral culpability” for deaths in Gaza, Austin restated his support for Jerusalem before emphasizing the “professionalism” of the IDF.

On Israel’s front line, a grim silence and a military build-up

On Israel’s front line, a grim silence and a military build-up
On Israel’s front line, a grim silence and a military build-up

The consensus among those interviewed by Breaking Defense is that the time for investigations into Israel’s response to the Hamas attack will come later, but the war must be won now.

In wake of Hamas attack, Israel may have to change intel, tech strategy

In wake of Hamas attack, Israel may have to change intel, tech strategy
In wake of Hamas attack, Israel may have to change intel, tech strategy

“I would imagine there will be a very, very major and deep-rooted inquiry,” said Jonathan Spyer, director of research at the Middle East Forum. “And I assume heads will roll, because what just happened is a very, very major event.”

Inside Israel Defense Forces training on ‘more versatile’ Eitan APC

Inside Israel Defense Forces training on ‘more versatile’ Eitan APC
Inside Israel Defense Forces training on ‘more versatile’ Eitan APC

Breaking Defense takes an exclusive look at how the IDF’s Nahal infantry brigade is learning to use the latest IDF amored personnel carrier.

Israel, Germany sign off on Arrow 3 air defense agreement

Israel, Germany sign off on Arrow 3 air defense agreement
Israel, Germany sign off on Arrow 3 air defense agreement

“Just as it [Arrow-3] guards Israel’s skies and saves lives, now it will also defend Germany and its citizens, and may integrate smoothly with NATO systems,” Israel Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant said in Berlin.

In the desert with the Israeli soldiers training on new Firefly loitering munition

In the desert with the Israeli soldiers training on new Firefly loitering munition
In the desert with the Israeli soldiers training on new Firefly loitering munition

As the IDF expands the drone’s use from special operations to infantry, Breaking Defense observes training of the first infantry soldiers, and learns how the capability will fit into the IDF’s ground forces in the future.

Israel unveils new ‘5th generation’, ‘lightning’ version of Merkava tank

Israel unveils new ‘5th generation’, ‘lightning’ version of Merkava tank
Israel unveils new ‘5th generation’, ‘lightning’ version of Merkava tank

The upgrades are focused not on the tank’s physical structure, but on incorporating the latest tech and systems.

New birds, new uses: Israel’s next-gen UAV capabilities on display at DSEI 2023

New birds, new uses: Israel’s next-gen UAV capabilities on display at DSEI 2023
New birds, new uses: Israel’s next-gen UAV capabilities on display at DSEI 2023

Amid larger competitors, Israeli firm SpearUAV is focused on drones to help “maneuvering forces.”

Israel’s air force officially receives new, secretive Spark UAV, ‘gateway’ to 5th gen drones

Israel’s air force officially receives new, secretive Spark UAV, ‘gateway’ to 5th gen drones
Israel’s air force officially receives new, secretive Spark UAV, ‘gateway’ to 5th gen drones

The military revealed little about the new platform, but claims it will “significantly improve” troops’ operational capability.

Trophy protection system to be used on new Leopard 2 tanks in Norway, Germany: Rafael

Trophy protection system to be used on new Leopard 2 tanks in Norway, Germany: Rafael
Trophy protection system to be used on new Leopard 2 tanks in Norway, Germany: Rafael

The Israeli firm also said it’s moving to next phase for the Trophy on the latest British Challenger tanks.

Israel’s Smartshooter looks to Australia’s unmanned future with new subsidiary

Israel’s Smartshooter looks to Australia’s unmanned future with new subsidiary
Israel’s Smartshooter looks to Australia’s unmanned future with new subsidiary

The company has been involved in the Australian market for years, but the new subsidiary shows its “serious” about work there, director tells Breaking Defense.

Israel begins tests of Oron, ‘most advanced’ surveillance aircraft

Israel begins tests of Oron, ‘most advanced’ surveillance aircraft
Israel begins tests of Oron, ‘most advanced’ surveillance aircraft

The plane is meant to provide “unprecedented intelligence capabilities across extensive terrain.”

Israel says US has approved Arrow 3 sale to Germany

Israel says US has approved Arrow 3 sale to Germany
Israel says US has approved Arrow 3 sale to Germany

Germany is expected to have an initial operational capability by 2025 and be fully operational by 2030.

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