Israel has purchased two new KC-46 tanker aircraft from Boeing for $500 million

Israel-Boeing deal: What the contract includes

The Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Air Force have signed a contract with the American company Boeing for the purchase of two additional KC-46 Pegasus tanker aircraft. The value of the transaction is 500 million dollars. This step is part of a long-term program to modernize the fleet and strengthen the strategic mobility of the country's Air Force.

Earlier, Israel had already received the first KC-46, becoming the first foreign country to operate this model. The new vehicles will be used to refuel fighter jets, transport and reconnaissance aircraft in the air, which significantly expands their range of action.

The role of the KC-46 in the Israeli Air Force

The KC-46 tanker aircraft, based on the Boeing 767 civilian airliner, is equipped with modern refueling systems using both the hose and fork method, which allows it to serve a wide range of military aircraft, including F-15, F-16 and F-35 fighters.

For Israel, whose military operations are often conducted over long distances — including regions outside the Middle East — having reliable tankers is critical. The KC-46 provides the ability to perform long-term missions without the need to base in third countries, which increases operational autonomy.

The strategic importance of replenishing the fleet

The acquisition of two additional KC-46s enhances the Israeli Air Force's ability to strategically deploy and support long-range operations. This is especially important in the context of threats from Iran and its allies, where actions over long distances are possible.

In addition to refueling, the KC-46 can be used as a transport aircraft for transporting cargo and personnel, as well as as a medical evacuation platform. Its versatility makes it a valuable asset in a limited strategic aviation fleet.

Integration of the KC-46 into the existing aviation infrastructure

The new KC-46s will be based at Tel Nof Airbase, where the first machines of this type are already in operation. Israel has adapted ground infrastructure and maintenance to Boeing's requirements, including specialized software and crew training.

The integration takes place under the supervision of the Defense Procurement Department of the Israeli Ministry of Defense and with the support of Boeing specialists. Both aircraft are expected to be delivered within the next 18-24 months.

Israel to allocate 1.5 billion dollars for the production of tanks and armored personnel carriers

The Israeli Ministry of Defense has approved a large-scale plan to modernize and expand the fleet of armored vehicles at the expense of local production. 1.5 billion dollars will be allocated for the implementation of the program over the next five years.

The funds will be used to increase the pace of production of key types of armored vehicles developed and manufactured in the country. First of all, it is planned to increase the production of Merkava Mk.4 Barak tanks, Namer armored personnel carriers and Eitan wheeled armored personnel carriers.

Special attention is paid to equipping new vehicles with modern weapons, including turrets with 30 mm cannons, which significantly increases the firepower and versatility of vehicles in combat. Such weapons are effective against infantry, light armored vehicles, and low-flying aerial targets.

The program is aimed at strengthening the combat readiness of the ground forces, replacing outdated models and ensuring technological superiority on the battlefield. Increasing the fleet of armored vehicles will also increase the level of protection of crews and infantry in modern conflicts.

Israel is negotiating with South Sudan over the possible relocation of Gazans

The Israeli authorities have stepped up diplomatic efforts to find countries willing to accept residents of the Gaza Strip as part of a potential resettlement program. This was reported by senior officials, specifying that negotiations are currently underway with South Sudan as one of the possible host parties.

These initiatives have not yet led to concrete agreements. The proposal for the mass resettlement of the Gaza population remains highly controversial both in the international arena and among human rights organizations. Critics of such a policy argue that the forced or involuntary displacement of civilians may violate international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits the displacement of occupied populations.

Israel, in turn, justifies these steps by the need to ensure long-term security in its southern direction, especially against the background of ongoing tense relations with Palestinian factions. According to the sources, this is not about forced evacuation, but about creating "voluntary relocation opportunities" with the provision of housing, work and social infrastructure in the host countries.

However, experts note that the implementation of such plans faces serious ethical, legal and logistical challenges. South Sudan, itself experiencing economic and political difficulties, is unlikely to be able to provide decent conditions for a large contingent of displaced persons.

The international community continues to call for de-escalation and the search for a peaceful settlement based on bilateral coexistence, rather than on redistricting and population displacement.

Israel attacked a power plant south of Sanaa, claiming its use by the Houthis

The Israeli armed forces launched a missile attack on an energy facility located south of the capital of Yemen, Sanaa. This was reported by the Israeli military, specifying that the operation was carried out by the country's Navy. According to their statement, the facility was used by the Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, for needs related to their military activities.

The target of the attack was a power plant, whose destruction could affect the energy supply of the capital region. However, the Israeli side has not provided public evidence confirming the military use of the facility.

This strike was part of a series of Israeli actions against targets in Yemen, which, according to Tel Aviv, are associated with the Houthis, a movement that supports Gaza and attacks Israeli and international ships in the Red Sea. Such air and missile strikes continue against the backdrop of a protracted conflict in the region.

International organizations have previously expressed concern about attacks on civilian infrastructure, warning of the risk of worsening the humanitarian crisis in one of the most affected countries in the Middle East.

Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky has begun assembling the first CH-53K Pereh helicopter for Israel under a 12-vehicle contract

The American company Lockheed Martin, together with its subsidiary Sikorsky, has begun the final assembly process of the first CH-53K Pereh heavy transport helicopter for the Israeli Air Force. In total, Israel has ordered 12 such helicopters as part of a major contract under the Foreign Military Sales Program (FMS) concluded between the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the US government.

This helicopter, also known as the King Stallion, is a deep upgrade of the previous model, the CH-53E Super Stallion. The CH-53K has significantly improved flight characteristics, including an increased payload capacity of up to 16.3 tons on an external suspension. It is capable of transporting heavy loads, equipment and troops, including amphibious landings.

At the operational readiness level of the Israeli CH-53K, helicopter deliveries are expected starting from 2025-2026. These vehicles will significantly enhance the transport and tactical capabilities of the Israeli Air Force, expanding the range of operations for the transportation of large loads, evacuation and combat support.

The approximately $2 billion contract with Israel is a significant part of Sikorsky's export program and demonstrates the high confidence in this type of helicopter, which is already successfully serving in the ranks of the US Army.

Hezbollah refuses to disarm, calling the plan beneficial for Israel

The Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah reacted sharply to proposals for the disarmament of Lebanese armed groups, saying that such a plan meets the interests of Israel and is directed against Lebanese sovereignty. In an official statement, the organization's leader called on the country's government not to succumb to external pressure and "not to hand over the fate of the nation to an insatiable Israeli aggressor or an American tyrant."

Hezbollah representatives stressed that their armed forces are part of the national resistance and a key element of the country's defense, especially against the backdrop of ongoing tensions with Israel. The group insists that its weapons will be retained as a means of deterrence and protection of Lebanese interests.

"We will not surrender our weapons as long as there is a threat from Israel," the organization's leader said. "Disarming Hezbollah will weaken Lebanon and make it more vulnerable to external threats."

These statements were made against the background of international discussions on the stabilization of the situation in Lebanon and efforts to strengthen the State's monopoly on the use of force. However, Hezbollah continues to insist that its military structure is not a threat, but a guarantee of security in a region where, in its opinion, traditional defense mechanisms are insufficient.

Iran has arrested about 21,000 "suspects" during the 12-day conflict with Israel and the United States

Iran has reported large—scale arrests - according to official sources, during the 12-day war with Israel and the United States in June 2025, about 21,000 people who are considered "suspects" were detained in the country. These unrest and detentions are linked to rising tensions and massive attacks on Iranian territory by Israeli and American forces.

So far, there are no details about specific detainees and the reasons, but usually such mass arrests are accompanied by increased control and repression within the country. The authorities want to suppress any signs of internal resistance against the background of external attacks and conflicts.

In recent years, executions and reprisals have increased markedly in Iran, as well as harsh measures against the opposition and suspects, which is confirmed by international observers. This step is part of the authorities' attempts to maintain control in a crisis and counter security threats.

Israel has ordered 95 million dollars worth of assault rifles and machine guns from SIG Sauer

 Israel has placed a large order for infantry weapons from the American company SIG Sauer. According to information published on the official website of the US government's awards management system, on July 17, an agreement was finalized through the US Army Contract Command in the amount of $ 95 million. 

What exactly does Israel get? The contract includes many different types of weapons and related equipment: MCX assault rifles that use cartridges.300 Blackout, MMG 338 and LMG 7.62 mm machine guns, as well as silencers, spare parts and other necessary equipment. Interestingly, the MMG 338 machine gun was specially designed for the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) competition, meaning it is a truly modern and advanced weapon.

Such an order indicates that Israel is actively updating and strengthening its arsenal in the field of infantry weapons, relying on the experience and technology of SIG Sauer, one of the leaders in the production of small arms. Obviously, the emphasis was placed not only on firepower, but also on functionality and reliability.

Israel is pulling troops to Gaza: satellites see preparations for an assault, and the plan has already been approved

Everything is clear from the satellite images: Israel is seriously preparing for a new, large-scale ground operation in the Gaza Strip. Commercial reconnaissance satellites are detecting a massive accumulation of troops and equipment right near the border with the enclave. Tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery — all this is moving into the area of a possible offensive. This is not just an exercise. This is preparation for the phased seizure of control over the most densely populated area, the city of Gaza, and, in fact, the entire territory of the enclave.

The decision has already been made: on the night of August 8, 2025, the Israeli military and political cabinet officially approved a plan, the main goal of which is the complete defeat of Hamas and the establishment of lasting Israeli control. The city of Gaza, where, according to intelligence reports, militants are still hiding and hostages may be, will be the first stage. The plan is step—by-step, but tough.

What will happen next?  

First, the mass evacuation. About a million people living in the city and surrounding areas are expected to leave their homes and move to the south of the sector. The deadline is October 7, the day of the second anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack. After the evacuation, the Israeli army (IDF) will completely surround the city, give the militants a chance to surrender, and if they refuse, a ground assault will begin. It is estimated that the fighting may drag on for several months.

Interestingly, the official statements do not refer to "occupation," but to "establishing control." This is an important legal nuance — in order not to assume responsibility for the management of the territory and the population. But, according to high-ranking sources, this is actually an occupation. Just in new words.

At the same time, Israel promises not to stop humanitarian aid. Aid will be delivered to "safe zones" in the south to encourage people to evacuate. The American GHF Foundation is already expanding its network of distribution points, but according to the UN, the situation with hunger in Gaza is critical — thousands have died trying to get to food, and many of them were killed by Israeli soldiers.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz should give the final go-ahead for the start of the operation. Reservists are currently being mobilized, and new units are being deployed to the southern borders. All this can be seen not only in the news, but also on satellite images — they don't lie.

So now it's the calm before the storm. The army is building up its forces, satellites are watching, and the world is waiting tensely. And in Gaza, millions of people are caught between a rock and a hard place again.

British reconnaissance flights over Gaza: 600 flights, secrets and questions for Israel

The UK has been conducting almost daily reconnaissance flights over the Gaza Strip for a long time — and it does this not on its own, but through an American contractor, which adds an additional layer of secrecy to the situation. The main instrument in this operation is the RAF Shadow aircraft based at the British Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus. According to air traffic tracking experts, these aircraft have already made more than 600 flights over the Palestinian territory since the beginning of the active phase of the conflict.

But the main question is not how much, but why and to whom the data is transmitted. Although it is officially stated that intelligence is needed to monitor the humanitarian situation and track the movements of militants, there is growing concern about how actively this information is being transmitted to the Israeli military. Given the scale of the bombing and the high accuracy of the strikes, experts and human rights activists are wondering whether British intelligence is being used indirectly to support operations leading to numerous civilian casualties.

London has not yet disclosed details of the cooperation, citing "operational security." But the pressure is growing, both within the country and from international organizations. As the RAF Shadow circles the sky, an increasingly acute moral and political question looms over Britain: where is the line between surveillance and complicity?

"One million calls per hour": how Israel uses the Microsoft cloud to monitor the Palestinians on a large scale and use the data for military operations

The Israeli Army (IDF), in particular cyber unit 8200, has implemented a large-scale project of mass surveillance of the Palestinians, using the Microsoft Azure cloud platform to store a huge array of phone calls and data from mobile phones. The system began operating in 2022 and allows you to collect and save audio recordings of millions of calls daily from Gaza and the West Bank, creating a huge database of intelligence information. The infrastructure is based on Microsoft data centers in Europe, in particular, in the Netherlands and Ireland.

Cooperation between Microsoft and the IDF began after a meeting in late 2021 between Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and head of the 8200 division Yossi Shariel. A separate isolated segment in Azure with enhanced security has been provided for cyber intelligence. The Noisy message system, created using Microsoft platforms, is able to detect suspicious SMS messages with keywords related to weapons, terrorist attacks, etc.

The data collected in the cloud was used not only for surveillance, but also for the analysis and preparation of military operations, including airstrikes in densely populated areas, where potentially dangerous targets were identified using call analysis, which, according to sources, was supposed to minimize civilian casualties. Sources also reported cases of data being used for blackmail, arrests, and even posthumous justifications for liquidations.

Microsoft representatives claim that the company did not know what specific data was stored in their cloud and that it did not develop or advise the IDF on the surveillance system. The company also stated that they have no evidence of using Azure or AI to target targets or directly cause harm. However, Microsoft employees and investors expressed concern about the company's role in this project, and an internal audit was initiated.

Thus, Israel uses Microsoft cloud technologies for large-scale collection and analysis of telephone data of the Palestinian population for the purpose of intelligence and military activity. This collaboration has become the subject of public and media outcry, given the ethical and legal issues related to mass surveillance, as well as the possible use of data for military operations.

Israel has successfully completed extended trials of the upgraded David's Sling system in the Iron Swords War

 

The Israeli Defense Ministry recently announced the successful completion of a series of serious tests of the David's Sling air defense and missile defense system, which helped make it even more reliable and effective in the difficult conditions of the current war, known as "Iron Swords." The tests were conducted as part of planned flight tests led by the Israeli missile defense organization IMDO, with the support of the Defense Research and Development Authority and in active collaboration with the Americans from the Missile Defense Agency and Rafael, which developed the system.

During the tests, David's Sling worked out combat scenarios that are as similar as possible to real threats — this is how they tested how the system would react to medium-range missiles and various aerial targets. The missiles of the complex have two types of guidance, which helps to accurately shoot down targets in any weather and under different conditions.

David's Sling occupies a niche in Israel's overall defense system, between the Iron Dome, which operates at short range, and large systems at long range. Thanks to the latest updates, it is becoming a more powerful and reliable element of defense.

This is a very important step for Israel, because today the country is facing a great missile threat. The better the system works, the calmer people will be and the stronger the protection of strategically important facilities. Working together with the United States and companies like Rafael helps to improve technologies and make them more efficient.

Mossad is no longer just for men: for the first time, Israeli intelligence is openly looking for women to serve

Imagine this: an elite spy agency, known for its top secrecy, publishes advertisements on social networks, websites, and even universities. This is not a new blockbuster scenario — it's a reality. For the first time in its history, Mossad, the legendary Israeli foreign intelligence service, is launching a public campaign to recruit women into the national service. And this is a huge breakthrough for an organization that has preferred to remain in the shadows for decades.

Previously, the Mossad only knew about the national service program by hearsay. It existed for more than 20 years, but it worked quietly: several talented girls were selected every year, not knowing exactly where they were going. It was like in a spy movie — a call, a secret meeting, logic tests, stress tolerance, and, of course, a polygraph. No ads, no open vacancies.

But now everything is changing. The Mossad is officially opening its doors — and it's doing it in a big way. The goal is to attract more young women from different backgrounds so that they can take on practical roles in a variety of fields, from cyber intelligence and data analysis to field operations and technology projects.

Why now? The answer is simple: the world has changed, and so has intelligence. Modern challenges — cyber attacks, disinformation, and complex international networks — require not only strength, but also flexibility, creativity, and a different perspective on the problem. And women, as practice shows, are often better at analyzing, communicating, and working under stressful conditions. "We realized that talent is not a matter of gender, but a matter of potential," the agency said, without naming specific names.

What started as a small pilot project with a couple dozen participants per year has now turned into a large-scale program involving hundreds of girls. They undergo intensive training, work in multidisciplinary teams, and participate in real—world operations - albeit not always with guns in their hands. Someone is hacking into servers, someone is analyzing satellite images, someone is conducting surveillance in Europe under cover.

It is also interesting that the Mossad is now actively looking for candidates in universities, technology parks and startup centers. They are looking not only for those who want to be "Agent 007", but also for programmers, mathematicians, psychologists, and translators. The main thing is intelligence, discipline and dedication to the country.

This step is not just a personnel initiative. It is a symbol of change in one of the most closed organizations in the world. The Mossad recognizes that in order to stay one step ahead of its enemies, it is necessary to use the full potential of society. Even if this potential is in a woman who never thought that she would be scouted.

Of course, serving in the Mossad is not a 9-to-5 job. These are years of secrecy, stress, moral dilemmas, and risk. But for many girls, this is a chance to make a real contribution to the security of the country, undergo unique training and become a part of something bigger.

Hamas has categorically rejected disarmament before the establishment of a Palestinian State

The Hamas movement has officially declared that it will not disarm until a sovereign Palestinian State is established. This harsh response was addressed to Israel, for which the disarmament of the Palestinian armed group is one of the key and indisputable conditions for any ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas statement was made in response to media reports according to which US President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, allegedly stated that Hamas had "expressed its readiness" to lay down its arms. The Palestinian group called these reports "complete lies" and categorically denied them.

Thus, the positions of the parties remain diametrically opposed: Israel insists on the complete disarmament of Hamas as a prerequisite for peace, while Hamas makes disarmament dependent on a political solution — the creation of an independent Palestinian State. This fundamental difference in approaches was one of the main reasons why the indirect talks mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt reached a complete impasse last week. Without progress on these fundamental issues, the prospects for achieving a long-term truce remain vague.

Lockheed Martin received 33.4 million to help Israel with the F-35 — all for the sake of the Block 4

Lockheed Martin has signed a new contract with the US Department of Defense in the amount of $ 33.4 million. The money will be used to support Israel's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, or rather, to help develop its most advanced version, known as Block 4.

What does it mean? The F-35 is not just an airplane, but a flying computer, and its capabilities are constantly being updated with new versions of hardware and, especially, software. Block 4 is the largest upgrade in the history of the program: it will add new combat functions, improve sensors, enhance combat communication between aircraft and other systems, and expand the arsenal of compatible weapons.

Israel, as one of the key international partners of the F-35 program, wants not just to fly these fighters, but to deeply integrate them into its own defense ecosystem. Therefore, some of the design and software work is carried out directly in Israel, with the participation of local engineers and defense companies. This contract is designed to support the second stage of the development and design of systems on Israeli territory.

Such localization is an important step. It gives Israel more control over technology, allows it to adapt the F-35 to its unique tasks (for example, countering enemy air defenses or operations in the dense airspace of the Middle East) and reduces dependence on supplies from abroad in the event of a crisis.

Lockheed Martin will coordinate these efforts by providing access to source codes, technical documentation, and simulation tools. The work ahead is extensive: from software architecture design to testing new combat algorithms.

As a result, although the contract was awarded to an American company, the whole system wins: the United States strengthens its alliance with Israel, and Israel gains more technological independence, and the F-35 becomes even smarter, more powerful and more deadly.

The Israeli military will now learn Islam and Arabic to better understand the enemy

 

Now the Israeli military will not only have to shoot and march, but they will also have to study Islam and Arabic. This is not just a cultural course, it is a serious training that is being introduced by the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate, AMAN.

Why? Because intelligence officers are increasingly faced with the fact that they cannot properly understand what is being discussed. Especially when it comes to Houthis from Yemen or reports from Iraq. They have their own dialects, slang, and religious references — and without a deep understanding of the language and culture, it's easy to miss something or translate it incorrectly.

Therefore, the program now includes not only general Arabic, but also special training in the Iraqi dialect and the Houthi language. This should help analysts decipher intercepted messages faster and more accurately, understand the motives of the enemy and predict his actions.

The goal is that by the end of next year, 100% of AMAN employees will be trained in the basics of Islam, and half will complete an Arabic language course.

This is not just a fashion for "intercultural dialogue" — it is a practical necessity. To win, you need to understand how the other person thinks. And in a region where every gesture and word can carry hidden meaning, such knowledge is not a luxury, but a matter of security.

Israel launched tanks in Deir el-Balah for the first time - what does this mean for the war in Gaza?

For the first time since the beginning of the war, Israeli tanks drove directly into the city of Deir el-Balah in the southern Gaza Strip. This is a serious signal: the ground operation has reached a new level. The Golani Brigade is behind this movement, one of the most experienced in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and it is now actively conducting exercises and offensive operations in the area.

Before the infantry and armor moved forward, powerful airstrikes and artillery fire swept through the city. The classic scheme: first we "clear" the way from above, destroy fortifications, minefields and possible ambushes, and then we go ourselves. This way they reduce the risks for their soldiers, especially when they have to climb into the city — every house there can be a trap.

The fact that tanks entered Deir el-Balah is not just a tactic, but a clear step towards larger-scale street fighting. Previously, the main actions were conducted in the northern part of Gaza, but now the focus has shifted to the south. And this suggests that Israel continues to put pressure, expanding the zone of control and, most likely, trying to dislodge the last pockets of resistance.

What's next? It all depends on how the militants respond. If the resistance is tough, there may be heavy fighting in the city. If not— the IDF will gain a foothold and possibly begin the next stage of the operation. One thing is clear: the war in Gaza is entering a new phase, and tanks are no longer needed in the narrow streets.

Israel is modernizing the Air Force: 75 F-35I "Adir" are expected by 2030

 F-35I "Adir"

Israel continues to build up its air force and relies on the F-35I "Adir", its unique version of the American fifth—generation fighter F-35A. According to an agreement with Lockheed Martin and the US government, Israel plans to receive 75 such aircraft by 2030.

The first two F-35is were delivered back in 2016, and since then deliveries have been coming in batches. All this time, the aircraft have been building up their combat potential at the Nevatim Airbase, where several squadrons based on them have already been created.

This is not just a copy of the American F-35 — it is a full-fledged joint project in which Israeli specialists have implemented their technologies. For example, the electronic warfare complex from Elbit Systems, its own communication and control systems, enlarged fuel tanks, and even weapons developed in Israel.

Thanks to these improvements, the Adir is considered one of the most advanced F-35s in the world, capable of operating effectively in a complex electronic environment and delivering precision strikes at long distances.

By 2025, the Israeli Air Force already has about 46 F-35I fighters distributed in three squadrons. Deliveries are continuing, and the fleet is expected to reach 75 aircraft by 2030, which will be a major boost for Israeli aviation.

The F-35I Adir program is a key element of the modernization of the Israeli Air Force and an important part of its strategic superiority in the region. These fighters provide not only a qualitative leap in combat capabilities, but also emphasize the close military-technical cooperation between Israel and the United States.

Fighting in Essaouida: the defeat of Bedouin Sunni groups and the role of Israel

In mid-July 2025, serious clashes broke out between local armed groups and militants from among the Bedouin Sunni tribes in the southern Syrian province of Essaouida, where representatives of the Druze ethnic group live compactly. According to various sources, the conflict began after an attempt by these groups to expand their influence in the region.

On July 13, the militants began an active phase of the offensive, capturing individual settlements and causing mass displacement of civilians. The next day, a mobilization was announced among supporters of the so-called government forces, which led to a sharp escalation of the situation.

However, by July 14-15, the local population, including well-organized Druze militia formations, was able to put up significant resistance, taking back previously occupied territories and ousting the enemy from a number of districts of the city of Essaouida and adjacent villages.

The climax came on July 16, when the situation reached a critical point. In response to the development of events, Israel, which traditionally supports stability in the region and has a certain interest in the safety of the Druze living there, sent a warning signal in the form of air strikes on militant positions and even targets in Damascus, including the headquarters of the Syrian ground forces. This was a demonstration of readiness to respond to an escalation that threatens regional stability.

After the Israeli airstrikes and the successful actions of the Druze, the militants began to retreat, losing some of their equipment and manpower. It is reported that some group leaders have left the war zone, and rumors have also surfaced about the possible departure of one of the key figures, the "president" of the so—called anti-government bloc, Ahmad Giuliani, to Turkey.

These events have become a serious challenge for all parties to the conflict. The defeat of the Sunni militants and the inability to control the situation may affect their authority in southern Syria. In addition, Israel's actions have once again shown that Tel Aviv is closely monitoring developments on its northern border and does not intend to allow the intensification of radical or destabilizing factors in the region.

The situation around Suwayda remains fluid, and further developments will depend on both internal dynamics and external interference from players such as Turkey, Iran, Russia and Israel.

Romania buys an Iron Dome from Israel to protect against drones and missiles

 Iron Dome air defense system

The situation is escalating, and Romania clearly does not want to sit idly by. The country's Defense minister Ionuc Mostianu has officially announced that Romania is going to buy the legendary Iron Dome air defense system from Israel. The contract is planned to be signed in the fall of 2025, which means that the country will soon have serious protection against drones, mines and missiles.

What is the "Iron Dome"?

In short, it is a mobile air defense system that can shoot down shells, mines, cruise missiles and even kamikaze drones. It operates at a distance of 4 to 70 km, so it can cover both a city and a military base or port.  

Each battery consists of several launchers with Tamir missiles, an EL/M-2084 radar and a central control unit. In general, everything is grown-up — and most importantly, it works!

Why the Iron Dome?

— High efficiency: yes, sometimes it misses, but on average it intercepts about 90% of targets — especially those that fly slowly and predictably, such as drones.  

— Relevance: considering that Ukraine is next to Romania, where Russia is actively using drones to attack southern ports, border protection has become vital. For example, in the area of the Sulinsky girl, it will be possible to install such complexes and cover the Odessa infrastructure.  

— European Championship: Romania may become the first European country to adopt this system. This is not just an import, it is an application for a leadership role in security issues.

And what's next?

After signing the contract, deliveries will begin, and then the systems will be deployed throughout the country. At the same time, the Iron Dome does not stand still — it is constantly being upgraded so that it can better cope with new threats such as modern UAVs and cruise missiles.  

It is also part of a larger strategy to create a multi—layered air defense system that will work together with other countries. For example, in the framework of the European initiative "Sky Shield" (ESSI) and in conjunction with NATO .

In general, Romania relies on reliable protection and modern technologies. If everything goes according to plan, then in a couple of years the country will become noticeably more confident against the background of growing threats.