FlightGlobal
• David Kaminski-Morrow
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will explore the development of autonomous freighters with a U.S. specialist called Merlin, with cargo-conversion providers also set to contribute engineering expertise. The effort targets large multi-crew transport platforms under consideration for adaptation into autonomous cargo operations.
Israel
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Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will explore the development of autonomous freighters with a U.S. specialist called Merlin, with cargo-conversion providers also set to contribute engineering expertise. The effort targets large multi-crew transport platforms under consideration for adaptation into autonomous cargo operations.
Israel has approved up to ILS55 million ($18 million) in compensation for local airlines’ “recognised costs” tied to repositioning flights during the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, according to a transport ministry statement dated July 15, 2026. The payment is intended to offset empty-flight expenses incurred in the period covered.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has launched Ellyon, an “all-in-one” special-mission airborne electronic warfare capability it says is suitable for integration with “multiple large business jet platforms.” The company positions the system as a multi-platform jamming solution for special missions.
Rafael’s CEO Yoav Tourgeman says the company is pursuing sustained growth following a major increase in orders, supported by a recent scale-up in production. The defense prime has reportedly doubled output and boosted sales by about 30% per year over the last three years.
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Israir’s Flight 116 was cancelled after a pushback tug struck the airline’s aircraft during towing operations at London Luton Airport, triggering a technical inspection. The carrier says the damage is the third similar incident in less than a year and is pressing for an investigation as British and Israeli security officials examine possible intent.
Quantum Systems was selected by Japan’s ATLA for a Counter-UAS proof-of-concept programme, while EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance founding members include Quantum Systems and Destinus to scale drone and counter-drone technologies. The cluster also highlights new counter-drone concepts from Israel Aerospace Industries’ HYPNOSIS and Paramount Aerospace’s Mwari configuration for one-way attack drones.
U.S. officials received Israeli intelligence about a possible plot to kill President Trump, and aviation-security concerns over a lack of defensive capabilities on his newly used luxury jet led him to fly back from Turkey aboard an older Air Force One instead. The episode highlights how threat assessments can drive immediate aircraft selection.
F-22 Raptors have arrived in England following a deployment to Israel associated with the Iran conflict. The move reflects a broader retrograde of airpower from the CENTCOM area, even as analysts assess prospects for renewed fighting are increasing.
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