Wizz Air plans to launch its first route from Israel to Budapest in March 2026, with flights from Ramon Airport (ETM) expected to commence in March. The airline will create two new bases at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and Ramon Airport (ETM).
The US has signed a Strategic Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia, which includes the sale of F-35 fighters and 300 Abrams tanks to the Middle East ally. The deal was announced by President Donald Trump during his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who pledged to invest $600 billion in various US industries.
The US Embassy in Jerusalem has urged non-emergency government personnel and family members to leave Israel while commercial flights are still available, citing safety risks. According to Breaking Defense, the Department of State authorized the evacuation due to security incidents and potential threats from Iran.
The US State Department announced two large-scale military aid packages worth almost $15.7 billion for Israel and Saudi Arabia. The deals include significant orders of AH-64E Apache helicopters, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, and PAC-3 Patriot missile interceptors.
The US State Department has approved a potential sale of almost $6.7 billion in new weapons for Israel, including large orders of AH-64E Apache helicopters and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. The announcement, made late Friday evening, is broken into four Foreign Military Sales cases and includes an estimated cost of up to $3.
US President Donald Trump is expected to approve a deal allowing Saudi Arabia to acquire dozens of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets despite Pentagon concerns. The proposal faces resistance inside the US government due to links with China and Israel's 'qualitative military edge'.
Flights across the Middle East were rerouted on February 28, 2026, following explosions reported in Tehran and other Iranian cities. The US had launched 'major combat operations' against Iranian missile capabilities, while Israel declared a nationwide emergency posture.
After two years of combat operations in Gaza, a senior Israeli official recounted the technological leaps in ground combat, calling it the 'first robotics war.' Yaron Sarig, Head of the Israel Ministry of Defense's AI and Autonomy program, spoke about the development of ground robotics and its potential to work alongside armored vehicles. The IDF is pushing robotics further with a new program focused on force build-up efforts to improve operational gain.
Breaking Defense reports that the Israeli defense industry is poised for growth in 2026, driven by lessons learned from the recent conflict. The country's ability to deliver advanced systems on time has led to record sales in 2024, with a focus on European markets.
Israel has announced plans to purchase 30 new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters worth an estimated $3.8 billion. The decision comes after lessons learned from recent multi-front wars, Breaking Defense reports.
Breaking Defense reports that the US may sell the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to Saudi Arabia, sparking concerns in Israeli circles about the potential impact on its Qualitative Military Edge (QME). The White House has announced plans to sell the plane to Riyadh, despite Israel's long-standing requirement for a QME policy.
Israel's Iron Beam laser air defense system has been officially activated by the Israeli Ministry of Defense and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. According to a joint press release, the system was successfully tested against various threats and will be integrated into the Israeli Air Force as part of its multi-layered aerial defense array.
Breaking Defense reports that the Israeli Air Force conducted its largest military flyover in history, striking over 500 targets in Iran with 200 warplanes as part of Operation Roaring Lion. The operation was carried out in coordination with the US and aimed to degrade the Iranian regime's capabilities.
Breaking Defense reports that Israeli officials are exploring a new 20-year military aid commitment from the US, sparking debate about the future of the relationship. Experts suggest recalibrating the dynamic to focus on partnership rather than aid, citing benefits for both countries in defense technology cooperation and reduced dependence on taxpayer funding.
The IDF Search and Rescue Brigade has been conducting large-scale training exercises at a specially designed site near Zikim, Israel. The drills simulate scenarios such as missile strikes or natural disasters, with the aim of preparing for unexpected events.
Germany has approved an expansion of the Arrow 3 defense system contract with Israel, valued at approximately $3.1 billion, to complement the initial purchase agreement signed two years ago. The combined value is now $6.
Iran has skipped the Dimdex 2026 defense show in Qatar, with analysts attributing this move to domestic unrest and past missile strikes on the country. The absence of Iranian officials from the event may signal increased isolation for the nation.
Gulfstream's new G300 super-midsize jet has successfully completed its maiden flight in Israel, marking a significant milestone for the aircraft manufacturer's partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries. The test aircraft, powered by Honeywell HTF7250G engines, completed a two-hour flight from Ben Gurion International Airport, reaching 30,000 feet and Mach 0.
Germany has officially received the first operational Arrow 3 air defense system from Israel in a historic delivery that marks the largest defense export deal in Israeli history. The $4 billion contract, finalized in late 2023, represents a significant milestone in Israel-Germany defense cooperation.
Boeing has secured an $8.6 billion contract to supply Israel with 25 new F-15IA fighter jets, with an option for 25 more aircraft in the future. The deal, announced by the US Department of War on December 29, 2025, follows talks between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.