Defense

With fighting continuing and operational needs growing, Israel’s government is set to approve additional funding for the defense establishment. The money will come from cuts to government ministries and reduced interest payments, and is intended for classified defense procurement.

Rafael says its SPYDER system, which launches air-to-air missiles, completed a successful drone interception test. The system has been sold to several countries, and the company says it has been updated based on lessons from the war in Israel.

Britain, Italy, and Japan have signed a massive deal to speed up development of a sixth-generation fighter jet. The aircraft is expected to enter service in 2035 and will rely on artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.

Elbit Systems unveiled a high-powered laser system for helicopters at the Eurosatory 2026 arms expo, designed as a low-cost way to intercept drones, cruise missiles, and other threats. The system is still in development.

France informed Israeli defense industries and security companies that they are not welcome at EUROSATORY, one of the world’s largest defense exhibitions. Israel’s Defense Ministry responded: "France is once again choosing the wrong side of history."

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel may act again against Iran to complete the campaign’s objectives. He also sent a tough message to Hezbollah about the fighting in Lebanon and the drone threat: "The homes in the first line of villages used for terror activity are being destroyed at this very moment."

Boeing’s KC-46, the first of six tankers headed to the Israeli Air Force, has completed its U.S. test flight ahead of delivery in about a month — a key step in the IDF’s long-range build-up.

Early in the fighting, Israel sent an "Iron Dome" battery and an IDF team to the Emirates amid tight security and diplomatic coordination, Axios reports.

At a Mount Herzl ceremony in Jerusalem, Israel Katz outlined the IDF’s posture in southern Lebanon, said Israel will strike "even during the cease-fire" to protect troops, and touted significant blows to Iran. Memorial Day observances continue nationwide with a two-minute siren at 11 a.m., followed by ceremonies across the country.

Belgrade announces an equal-ownership partnership: Israel supplies the tech and expertise; Serbia provides local manufacturing and development infrastructure. The plan aims to stand up a large-scale UAV production line for the region.

In a first, the IDF says it targeted Iranian Navy assets in the Caspian Sea, hitting vessels, a command hub, and maintenance facilities at a military port in northern Iran. Watch the footage.

Visit by German interior minister highlights cooperation on antisemitism, Iran and cybersecurity as Berlin expands record-breaking missile defense purchase

Prime minister tells The Economist Israel plans to “taper” U.S. military aid to zero as economy and defense industry mature