Israel's Elbit reveals new drones for urban and tactical warfare VIDEO
Elbit Systems has unveiled its latest state-of-the-art drones, which have been developed in close collaboration with the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to meet the modern military’s evolving needs.
The Israeli Ministry of Defence has allocated NIS 150 million ($41.2 million) to acquire these cutting-edge UAVs, highlighting the growing demand for such technology following the widespread use of drones in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.
The deal was signed by the Ministry of Defence’s Weapons Systems Technology Development Directorate (MAPAT) to urgently introduce these new systems to the IDF. These advanced drones are designed to operate in challenging environments, particularly in urban areas, and are resistant to GPS failures — an essential feature for operations in areas with signal disruption.
The drones will be deployed for critical missions such as gathering precise intelligence and executing targeted strikes. One of the most remarkable features is the ability of the drones to operate in groups, conducting simultaneous, autonomous operations. The drones are capable of coordinating with each other, assigning zones, and completing tasks autonomously or with minimal oversight from soldiers on the ground.
TerminaTHOR™ - Our latest innovation in autonomous combat solutions.
— Elbit Systems (@ElbitSystemsLtd) December 2, 2024
This groundbreaking tactical air-drop munition system is designed to enhance fire-loop closure, providing infantry squads with a powerful foldable, backpacked platform capable of rapid deployment in a variety… pic.twitter.com/AzWeHM4byN
Additionally, Elbit’s drones are equipped with capabilities suitable for small-scale attacks in complex urban areas. They can manoeuvre inside buildings and tunnels, allowing the IDF to carry out operations in tight and hazardous environments where traditional methods may be ineffective. Furthermore, these drones are equipped with jamming-proof communication systems to ensure reliable operation, even in hostile environments.
The Thor family of drones, manufactured by Elbit, has been demonstrated to fly for up to 73 minutes, carry a payload of up to 15 kilograms, and function even in GPS-jamming conditions. These advanced features make the drones highly effective for both intelligence gathering and tactical operations in a variety of military scenarios.
Founded in 1966, Elbit Systems has grown from a subsidiary of the state-owned Israel Electric Corporation to an independent leader in defence technology. Known for its innovation across aerospace, land, and naval defence, Elbit serves both military and commercial sectors globally, with clients including various governments, defence contractors, and security agencies. The company is publicly traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and maintains a strong international presence through subsidiaries and operations worldwide.
By Tamilla Hasanova