Operation Rising Lion Was a Technological Triumph in Defense Innovation

On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a bold and decisive preemptive strike against Iran, initiating Operation Rising Lion, a two-week campaign that pushed the boundaries of military innovation and operational coordination.

With hundreds of aircraft and a formidable fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating around the clock in Iranian airspace, the operation showcased the strategic dividends of decades-long investment in defense technology, integration, and readiness.

Advanced defense technologies, developed over years of collaboration between the DDR&D, the IDF, and the Israeli defense industry including Elbit Systems, shaped the outcome of one of the most complex and far-reaching operations in recent history and marked a historic milestone in Israel's strategic defense posture.

Elbit Systems’ technologies were deeply embedded throughout the operational spectrum. From command-and-control systems in the country's air defense systems, UAVs, to electronic warfare, precision-guided munitions, and more, the company's solutions were not merely supportive, they were decisive.

The Star of the Show

Within hours of the opening strikes, the IDF declared that they had control of Iranian airspace including over the capital of Tehran. This unprecedented control of the skies was made possible in large part by the Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicle, known in the Israeli Air Force as the Kochav, or “Star.” Operating deep within Iranian territory. These platforms provided persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, enabling real-time target acquisition and situational awareness.

By minimizing the exposure of combat pilots and enabling real-time engagement of missile launchers, UAVs played a decisive role in reducing risk and maximizing operational effectiveness.

Considering the ongoing war in Gaza, these unmanned missions accounted for the majority of the Air Force’s operational activity, comprising 60% of total flight hours and half of all IDF strike operations.

The Power of Precision Munitions

Elbit Systems’ precision strike solutions further empowered the IDF to neutralize fortified and high-value Iranian targets with surgical accuracy. These munitions allowed Israel to achieve its operational goals while minimizing collateral damage. The advanced guidance systems enabled effective engagement of strategic assets, maintaining control over the scope and impact of each mission.

Notably, these capabilities successfully overcame Iran’s sophisticated air defense systems, underscoring the technological superiority of Israel’s arsenal.

Protecting the Pilots High Above Iran

Central to achieving tactical surprise and air superiority over Tehran also included electromagnetic dominance.

Elbit is a key source of Electronic Warfare (EW) suites for the Israel Air Force and the company delivered state-of-the-art EW and aircraft self-protection suites, including advanced missile warning systems and automated countermeasures.

Digital warfare, artificial intelligence, and electronic warfare technologies were seamlessly integrated across all operational systems. These advanced capabilities enabled real-time threat analysis, adaptive mission execution, and enhanced survivability in complex combat scenarios.

These technologies were important for securing complete air dominance over Iranian skies, granting Israeli pilots the operational freedom necessary to maneuver and execute missions effectively within enemy airspace. Additionally, integrated jamming and disruption capabilities enabled Israeli forces to suppress enemy radar and communications, further enhancing survivability and tactical superiority.

The fusion of AI and EW technologies acted as a force multiplier, amplifying the effectiveness of Israel’s defense architecture and ensuring mission success under the most demanding conditions.

It's a Space Race

Space-based intelligence gathering capabilities emerged as another cornerstone of the operation, providing persistent situational awareness and strategic depth. Tens of millions of square kilometers were captured in high-resolution imagery, with over 12,000 satellite images collected across Iranian territory, enabling the identification of thousands of targets and supporting strike missions with high precision in real-time.

Elbit Systems' Elop has been in the field of space for some 30 years and is a leader in space cameras, with systems in use in a wide variety of major space programs for military, commercial and scientific applications.

The ability to gather high-frequency intelligence without exposing personnel helped the IDF to maintain a strategic advantage throughout the campaign.

Protecting the Homefront

While Israeli forces struck deep into Iran, the Homefront faced a barrage of missile and UAV attacks.

Enhanced versions of the Israel's missile defense systems, some integrated just days before the operation, played a critical role in neutralizing Iranian aerial threats launched toward Israel.

Elbit Systems’ C2 systems- specifically the “Citron Tree” and “Golden Almond” platforms- served as the brain and heart of Israel’s multi-layered air defense network, which includes Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow.

During the conflict with Iran, Elbit’s C2 technologies once again demonstrated their superiority, orchestrating the defense against massive missile and UAV barrages with precision and efficiency. Their ability to fuse data in real time, manage multiple simultaneous threats, and support split-second decision-making was critical to maintaining airspace security and national resilience under fire.

While Iranian ballistic missiles caused heavy damage to urban centers and civilian infrastructure, figures released by the Defense Ministry state that 86% of ballistic missiles launched from Iran towards Israeli territory were successfully intercepted and prevented damage potential seven times greater than damage actually sustained.

The Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems, recently upgraded and tested against drone swarms, contributed to an unprecedented interception rate of over 99% against Iranian UAVs. According to the Ministry’s estimates, these systems prevented more than $15 billion in property damage and safeguarded countless lives.

Nevertheless, 28 people were killed, over 3,000 were hospitalized, and approximately 13,000 lost their homes. These figures underscore the stakes of modern conflict and the importance of continued innovation in defense.

A Testament of Innovation

Operation Rising Lion stands as a landmark in the history of modern warfare, a testament to how technological excellence, strategic foresight, and inter-agency collaboration can shape the outcome of a conflict.

As global threats continue to evolve, Elbit Systems remains committed to advancing the frontiers of defense technology, protecting lives, securing borders, and preserving Israel’s strategic edge in an increasingly complex world.