Israeli SMASH system highlights growing US-Israel defense ties

The United States and Israel expanded their defense cooperation this week after the U.S. Army signed a $10.7 million contract with Israeli defense firm SMARTSHOOTER for additional kits for its AI-powered SMASH fire-control systems, designed to help soldiers counter the growing threat posed by drones.

The company says its SMASH system, designed to be affixed to the standard-issue infantry rifles used by both the U.S. and Israeli forces, allows soldiers to quickly acquire a lock on fast-moving aerial targets, including First Person View (FPV) drones used by Hezbollah to target IDF troops in southern Lebanon.

“As drone threats evolve in scale, accessibility, and complexity, armed forces increasingly require proven, field-ready systems that can be rapidly deployed and effectively operated at the tactical edge,” said Michal Mor, CEO of the Israeli technology solutions company SMARTSHOOTER. “We remain committed to supporting US military requirements with reliable solutions that enhance precision, survivability, and mission effectiveness.”

The recent contract follows previous deals the U.S. Army has signed to acquire SMASH systems, and the first units are expected to be delivered later in 2026. Other branches of the U.S. military have also signed contracts to buy related equipment from SMARTSHOOTER, including long-term technical support.

SMASH systems have also been deployed by several other allied armies in NATO and elsewhere, adding to the company's backlog. These contracts are part of a growing trend that has seen Israel’s defense manufacturing sector become the seventh-largest arms exporter in the world, surpassing traditional giants like the United Kingdom, according to the most recent statistics published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

FPV drones using fiber-optic cables to link them to ground controllers are almost impossible to jam, unlike drones that rely on radio signals for guidance. Furthermore, the drones are cheap, easy to mass-produce, and can reportedly be bought from many commercial sites. Software exists and is easily shared on the internet that provides instructions to 3D printers to make adaptors, which allow these drones to be mounted with grenades or other explosives that can then be delivered to a target.

At the same time, Israel has increased its acquisition of American-built defense equipment and platforms, including a multi-billion dollar purchase of a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second F-15IA squadron from Boeing.