May 12, 2016

Global Perspectives on Israel and Russia

A Perspective on Israel

By Uri Sadot, with a Response from Germany’s Perspective by Ulrike Esther Franke
Israel’s stock of operational unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as outlined in The Military Balance 2015, is composed of three intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance squadrons: Hermes 450, Searcher Mk II, and Heron. Additional UAVs are operated by the army and navy in distinct units or through integration into regular units. Nearly in its entirety, Israel’s UAV fleet is indigenously manufactured. Research, development, and production of innovative drone technology remains a high priority in Israel – both for domestic use and for export purposes – and indeed, Israel continues to be one of the world’s leading developers and vendors of UAV technology.
Full Report

A Perspective on Russia

By Isabelle Facon, with a Response from Japan’s Perspective by Tetsuo Kotani
Russia seriously lags behind the West in drone technologies. In theory, given its proven ability to develop complex air and space systems, Russia should be able to master the competencies required to design and produce UAVs. However, shortcomings in key technologies associated with drone development (optics, electronic systems for light aircraft, composite materials, etc.) will need to be overcome.
Full Report
The website is a part of CNAS’ Proliferated Drones Project, led by Paul Scharre, Director of CNAS’ 20YY Future of Warfare Initiative, and Ben FitzGerald, Director of CNAS’ Technology and National Security Program.
 
Scharre and FitzGerald are available for interviews regarding the website. To arrange one, please contact Neal Urwitz at [email protected] or 202-457-9409.