Israel Aerospace Industries unveils new spy plane as global demand for Israeli defense tech surges

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), one of Israel's "big three" defense companies alongside Rafael and Elbit Systems, unveiled its new ELLYON multi-mission aircraft this month as demand for Israeli military technology continues to grow worldwide.

Israeli defense companies have secured several major orders from European countries in recent years amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the broader deterioration of the global security environment.

Their battle-proven systems have become increasingly attractive to militaries seeking capabilities they expect will be needed on future battlefields.

Built on a commercial business jet platform, ELLYON combines advanced computers, sensors and electronic warfare systems designed to give operators a significant advantage on the modern battlefield.

The aircraft's long-range electronic warfare capabilities allow ELLYON to monitor or jam enemy radar, sensors and communications systems from a safe distance, avoiding the reach of hostile air-defense networks.

It can also relay intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) information to allied forces, enabling them to engage an adversary with a clearer picture of the battlefield while degrading the enemy's situational awareness.

Rather than relying on multiple aircraft and ground-based systems operating independently, ELLYON combines those capabilities into a single platform, with its onboard computers collecting, analyzing, sorting and transmitting battlefield data in real time.

“IAI has been at the forefront of developing advanced intelligence aircraft, combining technological innovation and operational expertise,” said Boaz Levy, IAI’s Chairman of the Board. “ELLYON continues this legacy by integrating advanced intelligence collection, Electronic Attack and AI-driven mission management into a single platform, providing a decisive operational advantage in evolving battlespace.”

“ELLYON represents a technological leap forward, combining stand-off operations with the ability to sense, understand and shape the electromagnetic battlespace,” added Dror Bar, CEO of ELTA Systems, an IAI subsidiary based in Ashdod, which has pioneered the use of civilian business jets for military applications. “ELLYON shortens intelligence-to-action cycles and enhances freedom of action in the most demanding operational environments.”

According to ELTA's website, the ELLYON system can be installed on several commercially available business jets, although it is optimized for the Gulfstream G550 and G600, manufactured by General Dynamics in Savannah, Georgia.

Using an existing commercial aircraft platform offers several advantages over developing a dedicated military aircraft. More than 200 G600s are currently in service worldwide, while more than 600 G550s were produced between 2003 and 2021. The established fleet provides a steady supply of spare parts, experienced maintenance technicians and existing pilot and crew training programs.

The website declares that "Since our establishment in 1967 ELTA has achieved pioneering status as a leader in the design, development and production of next-generation radar, intelligence, electronic-warfare, communications and sensor systems. Our heritage is rooted in turning powerful science into dependable systems. We don’t just detect threats – we give our partners a clear situational awareness picture so that they can act in time."

"IAI’s airborne radars offer wide-area surveillance, synthetic aperture imaging, and target tracking for defence and security missions. With all-weather operation and advanced signal processing, these systems deliver accurate, real-time intelligence to support operational superiority."