The Directorate of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D) of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) conducted an extensive series of operational trials testing around 20 advanced counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) technologies at a testing field in southern Israel on 4 February 2025.
Nine Israeli defence companies, including major defence contractors Elbit Systems, Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries, demonstrated various UAV interception and neutralisation capabilities at the event using both projectile-based systems and C-UAV drones.
As part of the trials the companies deployed interception system prototypes developed under DDR&D leadership, demonstrating C-UAV capabilities at various ranges, speeds and altitudes. Following analysis of the trial results, the IMOD plans to select several technologies for accelerated development and production, aiming to deploy new operational capabilities as soon as possible. Industry CEOs also attended the trials alongside senior Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and IMOD officials.
The trial was one of several initiatives through which the DDR&D is tackling the growing C-UAS threat. In partnership with the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) of the US Department of Defense (DoD), the DDR&D is developing cutting-edge technologies to detect and neutralise UAVs, which present a threat to the forces of both nations. With more than 20 US C-UAV experts from across the US DoD participating in the test, the event played a significant role in fostering co-operation between the two nations, rapidly enhancing joint defence capabilities and improving the chances of fielding effective systems. Recognising this, the US Congress has reinforced the partnership to advance co-operative research and development efforts, further strengthening the shared commitment to the C-UAV mission.
“The UAV threat is an evolving and multi-arena threat that has expanded to all our combat sectors, led by Iran and its proxies,” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz was quoted as saying in an IMOD press release. “This threat has already extracted a heavy human toll from us, which is why we have mobilised all tools to develop an effective response. The series of tests we conducted represents a national effort led by the DDR&D, with participation from major defence companies alongside innovative start-ups. Everyone has joined the mission with the understanding that defending Israel’s skies is a top priority. Against our enemies, we are committed to continue advancing and introducing new capabilities to the battlefield in the near term. We will act to ensure maximum protection for our citizens and forces on the ground against UAVs from Iran, Yemen, Lebanon and any arena where we may be required to respond.”
“The defence establishment is determined to complete a comprehensive defensive response to the drone threat, as we have done for threats in the upper layers,” added DDR&D head Dr Daniel Gold. “We have defined an operational architecture with the IDF, including detection, tracking, and interception layers. In this series of follow-up trials we witnessed the advancement of sophisticated drone interception capabilities, which will now enter an accelerated development process under DDR&D leadership.”
“We are in a learning competition with the enemy, particularly in the field of UAVs, which challenges us across multiple combat zones,” stated Major General Eyal Harel, head of the IDF’s Planning and Force Build-Up Directorate. “Throughout the war [with Hamas] we have developed various creative, technological and operational solutions that have led to unprecedented achievements on the battlefield. This day has demonstrated the importance of continued technological efforts that showcase Israel’s existing technological capabilities. The synergy between the defence establishment and Israel’s technological sector serves as a force multiplier, enabling us to provide comprehensive protection for Israel’s airspace and our forces on the ground. In the coming months, we will select the most suitable capabilities and implement them extensively throughout the IDF.”
