100 solutions 'not enough' for Hezbollah drones
Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that the Israeli army tested more than 100 solutions to counter Hezbollah drones, including the Iron Drone Rider system, but admitted they are insufficient. Efforts intensified after losses from drones despite the ceasefire, and Netanyahu announced a special project in May. Hezbollah remains able to operate its drones in southern Lebanon.
The Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that the Israeli occupation army and defense industries tested more than 100 solutions and technologies to counter the threat of Hezbollah's explosive drones, and some of these solutions were moved to field testing. The newspaper explained that explosive drones have become one of the most prominent challenges facing occupation forces in southern Lebanon, especially as Hezbollah relies on small drones capable of flying at low altitudes and carrying out precise attacks. Among the solutions tested is the Iron Drone Rider system, deployed in southern Lebanon, which consists of a radar and an interceptor drone that launches a net to bring down the target drone. However, the Israeli army admitted that the system's effectiveness is still insufficient, prompting continued development of other means. The intensified efforts came in the wake of Hezbollah's increased use of explosive drones, which caused injuries and losses in recent months despite the ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu had announced in May the formation of a special project to deal with this threat, stressing that developing effective solutions would take time. The Israeli army also relies on military operations targeting drone launch sites, but recent attacks have shown Hezbollah's continued ability to operate them.