US Army Turns To Israeli Drone Defense System In $10.7 Million Deal

Israeli defense-tech company Smart Shooter has secured a $10.7 million follow-on US Army award to supply AI-powered SMASH fire-control systems, the company announced today. Deliveries are expected in the third quarter of 2026.

The order is for Smart Shooter’s SMASH 2000LE system, also known as SMASH 3000SA. The system is mounted on soldier-carried weapons and uses artificial intelligence, computer vision and target-tracking technology to help troops lock onto and hit moving targets, including small drones.

Smart Shooter says the system is designed to give individual soldiers a practical way to respond to drones at close range. The company describes the technology as a “one-shot, one-hit” system, meant to improve accuracy against fast-moving threats that are difficult to stop with standard weapons.

The latest award was issued through PAE Defensive Fires, with procurement expected to be carried out through Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. The contract also includes related support services for the systems.

Smart Shooter CEO Michal Mor said the growing drone threat has created new demands for armies in the field.

“As drone threats evolve in scale, accessibility, and complexity, armed forces increasingly require proven, field-ready systems that can be rapidly deployed and effectively operated at the tactical edge,” Mor said.

“We remain committed to supporting US military requirements with reliable solutions that enhance precision, survivability, and mission effectiveness,” she added.

The contract follows several recent US purchases from Smart Shooter. Over the past year, the company has announced deals linked to the US Army, Marine Corps and other American defense bodies, making the latest order part of a wider US move to place counter-drone tools directly in soldiers’ hands.

The growing demand comes as small drones have become one of the most immediate threats on modern battlefields. Cheap, fast and difficult to detect, they can be used for surveillance, targeting and attacks on troops and vehicles.

For Israel, the deal also comes as its defense-tech sector continues to expand overseas. Israeli defense exports reached $14.7 billion in 2024, according to the Defense Ministry, as foreign militaries look to Israeli systems tested against real security threats.

Smart Shooter’s systems are expected to be delivered to the US Army in the third quarter of 2026, as American forces continue searching for faster and more practical ways to protect troops from drones on the battlefield.