WATCH: Israel tests game-changing drone defense in dramatic Southern Trial
Israeli defense sector tests game-changing drone countermeasures as nine companies demonstrate new tech in exciting field trials.


Israel's Ministry of Defense has successfully completed an extensive testing program of cutting-edge anti-drone technologies, marking a potential turning point in addressing the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The trials, which concluded Wednesday at a testing facility in southern Israel, showcased approximately 20 different advanced drone interception systems developed by nine Israeli companies, ranging from defense giants to innovative startups. The successful technologies will now proceed to full-scale development with Defense Ministry funding.
Defense Minister Israel Katz led the demonstration alongside key military and defense officials, including Defense Ministry Planning Division Chief Itamar Graf and the Head of Defense Research and Development Directorate (MAFAT), Brigadier General (Ret.) Dr. Danny Gold. The event represented the culmination of a series of operational trials that began in October 2024.
This accelerated development program was initiated under the direction of incoming IDF Chief of Staff, Major General (Ret.) Eyal Zamir, in response to urgent operational needs. The trials brought together Israel's leading defense contractors - Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries - alongside promising defense startups.
During the demonstration, companies deployed prototype interception systems capable of engaging drones at various altitudes, speeds, and ranges. The Defense Ministry plans to select the most promising technologies for fast-tracked development and production, with the goal of rapid field deployment.
"The drone threat represents an evolving, multi-front challenge, spearheaded by Iran and its proxies across all our operational theaters," Defense Minister Katz stated. "Having already paid a heavy price in lives lost, we've mobilized all available resources to develop effective countermeasures. This testing program represents a national effort, bringing together our major defense industries and innovative startups in protecting Israel's airspace."
Dr. Danny Gold, Head of MAFAT, emphasized the comprehensive approach to the drone threat: "We're developing a robust, cost-effective defensive solution, similar to our success with higher-tier interception systems. Working with the IDF, we've created a multi-layered architecture incorporating detection, tracking, and interception capabilities."
Key Technologies Demonstrated:
• Elbit Systems showcased an advanced radar-guided drone interceptor system and a 30mm cannon with enhanced target acquisition capabilities.
• Israel Aerospace Industries presented their C-UAS system, featuring distributed sensors and various interception methods, including a revolutionary long-range electric missile.
• Rafael demonstrated their Mini Typhoon system, a remote-controlled medium-range platform designed for diverse aerial threats.
Innovative Solutions from Defense Startups:
The successful systems will now enter an accelerated development phase under MAFAT's supervision, with immediate operational deployment planned upon completion. This initiative represents Israel's comprehensive response to emerging drone threats from multiple fronts, including Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon.
IDF Planning Division Chief, Major General Eyal Harel, highlighted the program's significance: "We're engaged in a technological race with our adversaries in the drone domain. Today's demonstrations showcase Israel's technological capabilities and the crucial synergy between our defense establishment and technology sector. Selected systems will be rapidly integrated into IDF operations in the coming months."
Kikar HaShabbat contributed to this article.