Britain Tests Israeli Drone Technology Utilized in Gaza Conflict
In December, the British Army conducted exercises on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire to experiment with drones from Israeli tech firm Xtend. Hundreds of Xtend's drones are currently employed by Israeli forces in Gaza for launching grenades, scanning tunnels, and building inspections, minimizing the risk to soldiers.
The technology, used in the Gaza conflict for the first time, is part of a collaboration with Israeli military unit Yiftah, known for developing "special weapons" including a new warhead that transforms the drones into suicide drones. The unit comprises a select team of scientists and engineers.
Xtend’s drones feature a virtual reality headset and hand-held controller, designed to be user-friendly. The technology aids in urban warfare, targeting Hamas militants, according to mainstream Western and Israeli reports, though the broader impact on Palestinian civilians has been severe.
Xtend initially developed its drones to counter incendiary balloons from Palestinian groups. Its largest client before the current Gaza conflict was the US Department of Defense, which utilized the drones for special forces missions.
The UK Ministry of Defence is utilizing Xtend's drones as part of its Army Warfighting Experiment (AWE), which spans from 2022-24 and aims to prepare soldiers for future battlefields. Xtend expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting involvement from the British army's Infantry Trials and Development Unit as well as the Royal Air Force. The MoD’s second permanent secretary, Paul Lincoln, participated in the event, engaging with Xtend regarding their defense products.
Meanwhile, Iraqi anti-terror resistance groups launched a drone strike on a strategic military target in Haifa, northern Israel, claiming it was in retaliation for Israeli actions in Gaza. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility, continuing a series of attacks against Israeli targets in support of Palestinians. Since October, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement within Gaza, with substantial infrastructure damage reported.