The Temple Mount Crisis: Is the Worst Still to Come?

Is it not over yet? The decision to remove the metal detector portals (known locally as "Magnometers") from Temple Mount has not led to an end to the severe tension that still prevails in anticipation of the Muslim prayers on Friday, and even after the announcement of the Mufti in Jerusalem of returning to prayers on the Temple Mount.

Israel to Assist India in Developing New Missile Defense System

Israel will partner with India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to develop a missile defense system for India, according to The Economic Times. The Indian Army has signed a memorandum of understandings with DRDO to establish one regiment of the advanced Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM).

Belgium Seeks FinTech Solutions in Israel

The Government of Belgium has launched an initiative aimed at positioning Belgium at the forefront of the evolving FinTech (Financial Technology) world. To do that, the Government of Belgium, along with 12 other partners, established the B-Hive Company, for the purpose of advancing future technologies that would serve the banking and insurance sector in Belgium, Europe, and hopefully – the rest of the world.

Watch: USS Harry S Truman Undergoing Sea Trials

 

The Best Show in Town: World's Top Air Forces at RIAT 2017

The Royal International Air Tattoo, the world's largest military air show, takes place every year in mid-July at the RAF Fairford Air Force Base.

The purpose of the event, which has been taking place since the 1960s, is to showcase the capabilities of NATO air forces to the public.

China Wants to Establish its Own 'DARPA'

China’s military has set up a new department modeled on the ­Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop advanced weapons such as stealth ­aircraft and electromagnetic ­cannons.

The Scientific Research Steering Committee was set up early this year, according to a documentary aired on state broadcaster CCTV that revealed the new department for the first time. The committee will fall directly under the Central Military Commission (CMC), which is chaired by President Xi Jinping.

IAF: The Second Lebanon War Redefined Air-Ground Cooperation

During the Second Lebanon War of 2006, intensive engagement in the ground campaign was required of the IAF, and the air force's activity was increased in both scope and level. "There are clashes which simply amount to aerial firepower without ground forces entering the battlefield, but when the IDF does execute a ground maneuver, the need for air support immediately increases, and the need for optimal cooperation rises accordingly," says Brig. Gen. Nir Nin-Nun, Head of the IAF's Air Support and Helicopter Division.

The US will Train Iraqi Pilots on Beechcraft T-6A Aircraft

The US Department of Defense has awarded Textron Aviation a contract worth almost $8.8 million for the "reconstitution" of 15 Beechcraft T-6A basic trainers for the Iraqi air force, according to Flight Global.

European Court of Justice Keeps Hamas on EU Terror List

The European Union's top court ruled on Wednesday that Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas should remain on the EU terrorism blacklist, referring the case back to a lower court.

Reuters reports that the judges at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) overruled the General Court's view of 2014 that the 28-nation bloc had insufficient evidence to maintain asset freezes and travel bans on Hamas.

World's Top 100 Defense Companies in 2017

Defense News publishes an index listing the world's top 100 defense companies according to financial results.

Elbit Systems is the leading Israeli defense company according to the index, occupying the 27th place in the list. Israel Aerospace Industries is ranked 33rd, while Rafael Advanced Defense Systems takes the 37th place. IMI Systems is ranking 92nd. Of the four largest defense companies in Israel, only Rafael ranks higher than last year.