Israeli precision-guided weapons power takes on new meaning in Gaza (Analysis)
An IAF F-35I sits parked at Nevatim Airbase, southern Israel (Photo: IAF)
Analysis from conflict between Israel and Hamas points to heavy reliance on JDAM GPS guidance kits by the IDF and IAF, an indicator of military operators increasing demand for precision targeting weapons, but the two services also seem to have made C2 and multi-domain improvements.
The latest spate of violence across Gaza and Israel, brought to an end by a ceasefire on 21 May, has shed light on several discernable operational improvements by the IDF and IAF, including extensive use of precision-guided missiles, increased multi-domain and C2 capabilities, alongside rapidly executed and scaled up airstrikes, a defence analyst has claimed.
Fundamentally, the sheer superiority of Israel’s armed forces — particularly its formidable collection of fighter, fixed-wing and unmanned aircraft — has always given it a sizeable tactical edge over Hamas, which currently has little else than Shehab drones at its disposal.
‘The Shehab appears to follow the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat]()
Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat
Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.
-
![Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister]()
Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
-
![White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production]()
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
![India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict]()
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
