Latest news with #Sa'ar6
Euractiv
13-08-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Merz's partial arms export ban won't dent Germany, Israel defence links
Deep and long-standing ties between German weapons makers and Israel's military are set to continue despite Chancellor Friedrich Merz's decision to partly block arms sales for use by Israeli forces in Gaza. Many high-value exports, including submarines and naval corvettes, are said to be exempt from the ban, which applies only to weapons likely to be used in Gaza. German imports from Israel – including a major deal to buy Arrow-3 missile defence systems – will also remain unaffected. 'It seems unlikely that this will affect defence industrial relations between Israel and Germany in the long term,' said Zain Hussain, an arms export expert at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which tracks the global arms trade. Germany is Israel's second-largest supplier of 'major arms' after the United States, and Hussain said 'Israel will continue to rely on these states for many of its major arms capabilities'. Germany suspends some weapon exports to Israel in response to Gaza decision The decision marks a drastic shift in Germany's stance on Israel Scope of the ban One unanswered question is whether shipments of German-made engines, gearboxes and replacement parts for Israeli armoured vehicles – which have been extensively deployed to Gaza and the occupied West Bank – will continue. A German government spokesperson on Monday declined to answer questions about tank parts, saying only that each case will be assessed individually. Engine manufacturer MTU, reportedly among the suppliers, said it would comply with export control rules in countries where it operates but would not comment on possible exports to Israel. Muriel Asseburg, an Israel expert at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), said Merz's restrictions were deliberately framed as limited in scope and duration, making long-term impacts on defence ties unlikely. However, 'it still sends a signal when Israel's second-largest arms supplier imposes a partial embargo,' she said. She also warned that Israel's far-right coalition government could "provoke further repercussions". German defence industry players also remain in the dark. The chair of German defence industry lobby group BDSV, Hans Christoph Atzpodien, told Euractiv on Monday that they 'do not have any information beyond what is publicly available'. Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, which produces naval ships for Israel, likewise said it had 'no official information from the federal government'. According to SIPRI, Israeli Sa'ar 6 naval corvettes – partially built by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems – have been used to strike targets in Gaza. In an internal paper to critics in his centre-right Christian Democrats, Merz said the ban would not apply to any "air and maritime defence equipment, which is central to Israel's self-defence". German supplies Details about German weapons exports are largely confidential, with export licences approved in secret by Germany's cabinet-level national security council. Beyond biannual figures on the total export value of defence products, little is formally disclosed. Germany issued arms export licences worth around €326 million for Israel in 2023 or almost ten times the previous year, after a prioritised approval process following the 7 October attacks. Another €161 million was approved in 2024. In the first half of 2025, Germany exported about €90 million in weapons to Israel, according to economy ministry figures. Shipments included firearms, ammunition, weapon parts, special army and navy equipment, electronics and special armoured vehicles, according to information obtained by the left-wing Die Linke party through a parliamentary inquiry. Asseburg said it is unclear from publicly available information exactly which German-made weapons are used directly in Gaza, but even equipment deployed elsewhere frees up other weaponry for Israel's military campaign. German deliveries of 'corvettes, anti-tank weapons, mechanical parts for armoured vehicles, armoured vehicle ammunition, small arms and ammunition for small arms' are all 'significant for Israel's war in the Gaza Strip,' she said. She added that Israel's "extreme dependence on US arms deliveries and financing" makes decisions by US President Donald Trump "decisive" in influencing Israeli conduct. Slovenia bans arms exports to Israel "Slovenia is the first European country to ban the import, export and transit of weapons to and from Israel," the government said (bts, de)
Euractiv
13-08-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Germany's arms export ban on Israel remains obscure
Deep and long-standing ties between German weapons makers and Israel's military are set to continue despite Chancellor Friedrich Merz's decision to partly block arms sales for use by Israeli forces in Gaza. Many high-value exports, including submarines and naval corvettes, are said to be exempt from the ban, which applies only to weapons likely to be used in Gaza. German imports from Israel – including a major deal to buy Arrow-3 missile defence systems – will also remain unaffected. 'It seems unlikely that this will affect defence industrial relations between Israel and Germany in the long term,' said Zain Hussain, an arms export expert at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which tracks the global arms trade. Germany is Israel's second-largest supplier of 'major arms' after the United States, and Hussain said 'Israel will continue to rely on these states for many of its major arms capabilities'. One unanswered question is whether shipments of German-made engines, gearboxes and replacement parts for Israeli armoured vehicles – which have been extensively deployed to Gaza and the occupied West Bank – will continue. A German government spokesperson on Monday declined to answer questions about tank parts, saying only that each case will be assessed individually. Engine manufacturer MTU, reportedly among the suppliers, said it would comply with export control rules in countries where it operates but would not comment on possible exports to Israel. Muriel Asseburg, an Israel expert at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), said Merz's restrictions were deliberately framed as limited in scope and duration, making long-term impacts on defence ties unlikely. However, 'it still sends a signal when Israel's second-largest arms supplier imposes a partial embargo,' she said. She also warned that Israel's far-right coalition government could "provoke further repercussions". German defence industry players also remain in the dark. The chair of German defence industry lobby group BDSV, Hans Christoph Atzpodien, told Euractiv on Monday that they 'do not have any information beyond what is publicly available'. Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, which produces naval ships for Israel, likewise said it had 'no official information from the federal government'. According to SIPRI, Israeli Sa'ar 6 naval corvettes – partially built by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems – have been used to strike targets in Gaza. In an internal paper to critics in his centre-right Christian Democrats, Merz said the ban would not apply to any "air and maritime defence equipment, which is central to Israel's self-defence". German supplies Details about German weapons exports are largely confidential, with export licences approved in secret by Germany's cabinet-level national security council. Beyond biannual figures on the total export value of defence products, little is formally disclosed. Germany issued arms export licences worth around €326 million for Israel in 2023 or almost ten times the previous year, after a prioritised approval process following the 7 October attacks. Another €161 million was approved in 2024. In the first half of 2025, Germany exported about €90 million in weapons to Israel, according to economy ministry figures. Shipments included firearms, ammunition, weapon parts, special army and navy equipment, electronics and special armoured vehicles, according to information obtained by the left-wing Die Linke party through a parliamentary inquiry. Asseburg said it is unclear from publicly available information exactly which German-made weapons are used directly in Gaza, but even equipment deployed elsewhere frees up other weaponry for Israel's military campaign. German deliveries of 'corvettes, anti-tank weapons, mechanical parts for armoured vehicles, armoured vehicle ammunition, small arms and ammunition for small arms' are all 'significant for Israel's war in the Gaza Strip,' she said. She added that Israel's "extreme dependence on US arms deliveries and financing" makes decisions by US President Donald Trump "decisive" in influencing Israeli conduct.
News18
21-06-2025
- News18
How Israel's Sea Shield ‘Barak-Magan' With 360° Radar Is Taking Down Iranian Drones
Last Updated: Military analysts say Barak-Magan may become key to Israel's naval defence as cheap but deadly drone threats continue to grow across the region In a significant defensive manoeuvre, Israel has demonstrated its advanced naval capabilities by intercepting and destroying eight drones launched from Iran. The drones were brought down using Israel's cutting-edge naval defence system, 'Barak Magan' or 'Electric Shield', from the Sa'ar 6 class corvette on the night of June 15. This marked the system's inaugural use in combat. What Is Black Magan? Barak Magan, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) based on Barak MX technology, is an advanced air defence system designed for maritime deployment. Here are some of it's key features: It offers 360-degree radar coverage It can intercept drones, cruise missiles, shore-to-sea rockets, and certain ballistic weapons. The system features three types of interceptors: MRAD for up to 35 km, LRAD for up to 70 km, and ER for engaging threats up to 150 km away. How Does It Work? The system operates using the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR radar and electro-optical sensors installed on the Sa'ar 6 warship. Within seconds, it can identify enemy drones or missiles and launch a vertical missile from a smart launch module to neutralise the threat from any direction. Israel has deployed the system to safeguard its Navy's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which includes critical gas platforms and maritime routes—highlighting its reliability and combat readiness. Why This System Matters To India The Barak Magan technology holds significance for India as well, with its land and sea-based variant Barak-8 co-developed by India's DRDO and IAI. The Barak-8, boasting a range of up to 100 km, is already in use by the Indian Navy and Air Force. Why It's A Strategic Breakthrough The introduction of Barak Magan is considered a game-changer in maritime defence, particularly against the rising threat of drones and low-altitude weapons. Ground-based systems like Iron Dome or David's Sling may not always suffice against such threats, making flexible and high-range systems like Barak Magan crucial for pre-emptive defence. Success Rate Till Now The Israeli Navy claims that Barak Magan has successfully intercepted approximately 25 drones or aerial threats during the ongoing conflict. Eight drones were recently intercepted in a single night by the Sa'ar 6 corvette, marking a significant milestone for the new defence system. Military analysts say the system's rapid and precise activation demonstrates its reliability and combat effectiveness. According to them, it is likely to become central to Israel's sea-based security strategy, particularly as threats from inexpensive yet lethal technologies like drones continue to rise. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Israel First Published:
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
18-06-2025
- First Post
What is Barak Magan, Israel's new air defence system deployed to thwart Iran strikes?
Barak Magen, Israel's advanced naval air defence system developed by IAI, intercepted eight Iranian drones in its first combat use aboard a Sa'ar 6 corvette. With layered interceptors and 360-degree radar coverage, it defends against drones, cruise missiles and ballistic threats. The system complements Iron Dome, David's Sling and India-linked Barak-8 read more Israel used "Barak Magen" interceptors to deter Iranian drones, the defence system was launched from an Israeli navy Sa'ar 6 missile ship. Israel Defense Forces The Israeli military has deployed a cutting-edge air defence system known as Barak Magen — Hebrew for Lightning Shield — For the first time since its induction, the system was used operationally by the Israeli Navy to intercept aerial threats, successfully neutralising eight drones launched from Iranian territory. The interceptions were executed under the cover of night using the Sa'ar 6-class missile corvette operating within Israeli waters. These warships, integrated with Barak Magen and a suite of advanced radars, are now central to Israel's expanding multi-tiered missile defence framework. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This latest activation comes after Iranian drone strikes breached Israel's Iron Dome and struck areas including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, prompting the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to strengthen their offshore defence layers. What is the Barak Magen Barak Magen is the naval configuration of the broader Barak MX air defence suite developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Tailored specifically for Israel's Navy, the system is engineered to provide full-spectrum protection against a variety of modern airborne threats including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, shore-to-sea projectiles and even certain classes of ballistic munitions. It has been installed aboard Israel's latest Sa'ar 6-class corvettes — advanced warships built by Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems — which began entering service between 2020 and 2023. The INS Magen, one of these corvettes, served as the launch platform for the interception of the Iranian drones during the June 15 conflict, marking the system's first operational use in live combat. According to a statement from the IDF, 'the Navy's missile ship flotilla — operating under Flotilla 3 — intercepted a total of eight UAVs overnight,' adding to a cumulative tally of approximately 25 aerial threats neutralised by naval forces since the beginning of the current confrontation with Iran. These UAVs were believed to be targeting Israeli civilian centres. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How the Barak Magen works The system's core strength lies in its modularity and multi-layered interception capacity. It incorporates vertical launchers that can deploy different types of interceptors based on the threat profile. These include: Barak MRAD (Medium Range Area Defence) for threats up to 35 kilometres Barak LRAD (Long Range Area Defence) capable of reaching targets up to 70 kilometres Barak ER (Extended Range) interceptors that can engage threats at distances extending to 150 kilometres What makes Barak Magen uniquely suited for naval deployment is its ability to adapt dynamically to the complex maritime threat landscape. The interceptors are launched vertically, providing full 360-degree defensive coverage and the capacity to respond to simultaneous attacks from multiple directions. Overnight, the Israeli Navy intercepted eight drones launched against Israel by Iran using, for the first time, the 'Barak Magen' Aerial Defense System, which is installed onboard Sa'ar 6-Class Corvette and is capable of dealing with a wide range of threats, including drones,… — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 16, 2025 These missiles are housed in intelligent launch modules that support all three types of interceptors, making logistics and engagement protocols more efficient. Paired with this missile framework is a detection and tracking system. The corvettes are fitted with the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR radar, a sophisticated sensor that offers wide-area surveillance, tracking capabilities and high-speed target acquisition. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Electro-optical sensors add an additional layer of verification and tracking precision, particularly for smaller or stealthier threats like drones and loitering munitions. Israel Aerospace Industries describes the Barak Magen as integrating 'advanced radar, electro-optical sensors, and interceptors capable of engaging targets at ranges exceeding 150 kilometres.' The system was explicitly built to neutralise drones, cruise missiles, and other low-altitude, agile threats that conventional, ground-optimised missile systems may not reliably catch. Why Sa'ar 6-class corvettes are crucial The vessel on which Barak Magen is deployed is as critical to its function as the system itself. The Sa'ar 6-class corvette is a 1,900-tonne warship measuring approximately 90 metres in length, developed in collaboration with ThyssenKrupp. These ships serve as multi-role platforms, combining air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surface combat capabilities and electronic warfare systems into a single naval asset. Designed primarily to safeguard Israel's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) — a 26,000-square-kilometre expanse that includes vital offshore gas rigs and shipping corridors — the Sa'ar 6 corvettes carry an arsenal that extends well beyond Barak Magen. The Magen, pictured during final acceptance trials, before sensors and weapons — including the forward 3-inch gun — had been fitted. US Naval Press Service Each ship is armed with anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, electronic warfare systems and command-and-control systems that can synchronise with land and air-based units in real-time. The Sa'ar 6's advanced radar and combat systems make it ideally suited for integrating Barak Magen's interceptors. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to Israeli military sources, the ships 'were positioned to monitor potential threats approaching from the sea,' suggesting a pre-emptive naval readiness model that places the burden of early interception on these forward-deployed warships. Why the Barak Magen is important The deployment of Barak Magen comes at a time when Israel's traditional air defence systems are increasingly challenged by saturation attacks involving low-cost drones and precision-guided projectiles. Systems like Iron Dome and David's Sling are optimised for intercepting medium and high-altitude rockets and missiles. However, the increasing prevalence of drone warfare, especially by Iranian proxies such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, has highlighted the need for a more adaptable, ship-based defence solution. Notably, the system also addresses a crucial gap in Israel's maritime strategy — defending vital offshore assets from both state and non-state actors. Natural gas platforms in the Mediterranean and major shipping routes are increasingly vulnerable to targeted attacks, and Barak Magen now plays a key role in securing these economic lifelines. Since the beginning of the conflict escalation, Israel's naval platforms have downed at least 25 drones. While many of these were intercepted by the C-Dome — Iron Dome's maritime variant — the Barak Magen offers a higher-end solution with greater range, precision, and adaptability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How India is involved with the Barak Magen Although Barak Magen is exclusive to Israel's naval platforms, its technological roots intersect with a parallel system developed in partnership with India — the Barak-8. Co-developed by IAI and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Barak-8 serves as a land-and-sea deployable variant aimed at defending against similar threats such as aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles and certain ballistic threats. Barak-8 boasts a range of up to 100 kilometres and can operate at altitudes as high as 20 kilometres. While its architecture is distinct from Barak Magen's naval-specific deployment, the two systems share a common lineage and mission. The success of Barak-8, especially during the recent Operation Sindoor, has contributed to over $1.2 billion in international sales and has cemented Indo-Israeli collaboration as a model for joint defence innovation. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Never before seen: Israel's new Barak Magen air defense destroys Iranian missiles — all about the system
For the first time ever, Israel used its new air defense system called "Barak Magen" on Sunday night. Israel used this new system to stop and shoot down several drones sent by Iran. The Israeli Navy was the one that operated the Barak Magen system, and it shot down eight Iranian drones, as per reports. These drones were destroyed using Barak Magen and another system called the long-range air defense interceptor, both fired from an Israeli Sa'ar 6 missile ship. John Hannah, a senior fellow at John Hannah, a senior expert at The Jewish Institute for National Security of America, said this system makes Israel's navy stronger, according to Fox News. What the new system does? He also said Barak Magen is another strong tool in Israel's already advanced missile defense system. The Barak Magen system can shoot down many kinds of threats like drones (UAVs), cruise missiles, high-trajectory missiles, missiles fired from land to sea. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Chuck Norris Begs Seniors: Avoid These 3 Foods Like The Plague Roundhouse Provisions Learn More Undo According to Hannah, this system protects Israel's navy ships and also helps defend important things like oil and gas stations in the eastern Mediterranean, important buildings and cities along Israel's coast. It gives Israel the ability to stop attacks far away, not just near its borders, like in, the eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea, as stated in the report by Fox News. That's important because Israel is a small country, and stopping missiles before they reach close is a big advantage. Since the Iran conflict got worse, the Israeli Navy has already intercepted around 25 drones using this new system. On Monday, for the fourth day in a row, Iran and Israel exchanged missile attacks, as per reports. Live Events Iran's new wave of attacks killed at least 8 people and injured many others. At the same time, the Israeli army said it now had air control over Tehran, the capital of Iran. They also told 330,000 people in central Tehran to leave the area before new Israeli strikes happen, as mentioned in the report by Fox News. FAQs Q1. What is Barak Magen? It is Israel's new air defense system that shoots down enemy missiles and drones. Q2. Why did Israel use it now? Because Iran fired drones during a conflict, and Israel needed to stop them fast.
