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Israel’s 80th Division has significantly reduced drone-based weapons smuggling from Egypt, intercepting 130 hostile drones over the past month. Military officials say the figure reflects a roughly 50% improvement in interception capability, marking a notable shift in Israel’s favor after years of setbacks.
Once dominated by narcotics trafficking, the smuggling threat from Egypt has evolved into a pipeline for weapons, many believed to originate in Iran or Yemen. These munitions are destined for terrorist groups in Gaza or the West Bank, prompting intensified security efforts along the southern border.
Lt.-Col. “Y” of the 80th Brigade said the division is deploying upgraded surveillance systems, coordinated lookout units, and new tactical methods to counter the expanding drone threat.
“Our top priority is the safety of residents near the border,” he said, noting that forces constantly adjust their operational methods.
Capt. “N” added that classified technologies and rapid-response teams have recently yielded “excellent operations” against smuggling attempts. He stressed that lessons from the October 7 attack have reshaped the military’s approach, keeping troops on high alert even when threats seem distant.
The IDF estimates that thousands of weapons may have already entered Israel in previous years through small drones. To combat this, more Air Force, intelligence, and Shin Bet personnel have joined field teams inside a unified command center, led by Brig.-Gen. Israel Friedler.
While many drones remain small enough to evade radar, they are far from rudimentary.
Military officials say units used for weapons smuggling can cost between NIS 40,000 and NIS 130,000, reflecting increasingly sophisticated criminal and terrorist networks.
On quieter days, only one or two drones cross into Israeli airspace, though smuggling surges can reach 20 drones launched from multiple points along the border. Recently intercepted cargo included 85 weapons, among them 16 heavy guns and dozens of rifles.
Some drones are launched from as far as nine kilometers inside Israel or two kilometers within Egypt, complicating detection and pursuit. While Israel and, less frequently, Egyptian forces succeed in downing drones, the operators themselves often remain beyond reach, highlighting the limits of tactical success.
Despite these challenges, officials say the enhanced interception rate marks real progress in a battle increasingly centered on the skies above the desert border.