The IDF, Defense Ministry, and defense contractors are set to complete a series of capability tests on Wednesday, drawing on both local and international sources, to deal with fiber-optic and racer drones.
A security source reported that efforts are underway around the clock to develop solutions to be presented to Defense Minister Israel Katz.
This announcement comes amid reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet this evening with senior defense officials to discuss the threat posed by drones.
On Wednesday morning, it was revealed that the head of the Intelligence Directorate, Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder, has allocated some of the brightest minds in the intelligence community, including knowledge centers within the Special Operations Division and brilliant minds from both regular and reserve members of Unit 81 - the IDF’s elite technological-operational intelligence unit specializing in research, development, and the production of boundary-pushing technological means for special missions. These teams are working to analyze the threat in southern Lebanon and to promote creative solutions for dealing with the fiber-optic suicide drones.
According to IDF sources, several new operational methods are currently under examination.
Zamir: 'Every solution' will be deployed to counter Hezbollah drones
In parallel, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir held a comprehensive discussion on fiber-optic drones and the lethal racing drones operated by Hezbollah in Lebanon, which pose challenges for detection, identification, and interception. He emphasized the need for the IDF to unite forces with the Defense Ministry, particularly with the Directorate of Defense Research & Development, to accelerate solutions without resource constraints. The Chief of Staff also instructed that, subject to safety conditions, "every solution in the field will be deployed in southern Lebanon and along the border."
It was further decided to advance the integration of various types of radar and to create synergy between ground-force and air-force sensors to enhance detection and warning capabilities. Additionally, Maj.-Gen. Nadav Lotan, Commander of the Ground Forces, as reported by Walla, said that a series of field tests will soon take place on IDF firing ranges to evaluate technological solutions from both Israel and abroad, and that cooperation efforts are being explored.
Just yesterday, an IDF spokesperson announced that an IDF soldier was moderately injured and a reserve soldier was lightly injured from a drone strike near the Lebanon border. The soldiers were evacuated for medical treatment at a hospital, and their families were notified.