Israel Begins Serial Production of 30kg Payload X-Intra Combat Drone

Recent developments in drone technology highlight significant advancements and diversified military applications in the Middle East and beyond. Israeli company Flying Production, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, has commenced serial production of the X-Intra combat drone, notable for its 30-kilogram payload, modular design, rapid deployment, and multifunctional roles including supply transport, intelligence gathering, and precision strikes; the drone builds on operational experience in Gaza and along the Lebanese border. Concurrently, Cypriot firm Swarmly Aero unveiled the X23 Ares loitering munition drone, designed for precision attacks on armored and fortified targets, featuring a powerful shaped charge warhead, advanced AI guidance, fiber optic control to prevent jamming, and field-reloadable launch containers. Investigations reveal that the Israeli military has retrofitted commercial DJI drones, including the Agras model, for bombing and surveillance missions in Gaza, marking unprecedented use of these drones against civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and shelters. Meanwhile, Israel continues to enhance its aerial capabilities with the F-35I Adir stealth fighter, a locally modified variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35, incorporating Israeli electronic warfare systems, sensors, and datalinks to maintain regional air superiority. These developments reflect an ongoing emphasis on integrating cutting-edge drone and stealth technologies into modern warfare strategies in the region.