JERUSALEM – Israel’s Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday the purchase of 40 million U.S. dollars worth of advanced drones and autonomous systems from Elbit Systems, an Israeli weapons and defense manufacturer. Under the contracts, Elbit will supply intelligence-collection drones, mission-specific drones, and mini-drones designed for precision strikes in urban areas. The new systems feature “advanced capabilities and are designed for various missions, including precise intelligence gathering and targeted strikes,” said the ministry, adding that it strengthens the military’s autonomous combat capabilities on the battlefield. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has been engaged in multi-front conflicts involving Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and a major military campaign in Gaza. During this period, Israel has increasingly relied on drones for surveillance and precision strikes to monitor militant activity and conduct targeted operations.  (Xinhua)