By Robert Wall, Tony Osborne, Steve Trimble, Brian Everstine
The U.S. suffered further losses as the fight against Iran stretched into a third day, with signs the conflict is expanding as Israel engaged Iranian proxies in Lebanon.
The Israeli government has awarded Elbit Systems 400 million shekels to equip incoming Sikorsky CH-53K heavy-lift helicopters for the country’s air force.
Rafael is boosting its focus on space while it awaits a decision by the Israeli government about taking the state-owned defense technology specialist public.
The U.S. approved a $6.67 billion export package for Israel that includes potential orders for 30 Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters, additional Leonardo AW-119Kx helicopters and ground systems.
Israel has rarely shied away from defense industrial challenges, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge to wean the country off U.S. military financing support sets the bar at a new level.
The director general of Israel’s Defense Ministry says the country has reverted too soon to a funding mindset that prevailed before the attack by Hamas.
Israel says the Rafael Iron Beam laser weapon should deliver a formal initial operational capability before year's end after completing system development.