The Israeli Air Force said it intercepted two unmanned aerial vehicles that crossed into Israeli airspace from the east, according to a statement released on December 25.
In a statement, the Israeli Air Force said that the Air Force’s Air Control Center identified the two drones a short time before they crossed from eastern territory into Israeli airspace. The statement said the aircraft were tracked as they approached the border area.
“Air Force observation units and the Air Control Center identified, shortly before the crossing, two drones that crossed from eastern territory into Israeli airspace,” the service said.
According to the Israeli Air Force, following the identification, the drones were monitored as they entered Israeli airspace. The service said interceptor aircraft were scrambled to respond to the incident.
“After identification, an 80 Squadron combat helicopter intercepted the two drones as they entered Israeli airspace,” the statement said.
The Israeli Air Force did not specify the type of drones involved, their launch point, or their intended targets. No damage or casualties were reported, and the service did not indicate whether the drones were armed or conducting reconnaissance.
Israeli air defenses have remained on heightened alert amid ongoing regional tensions and repeated incidents involving unmanned systems. In recent months, drones have played a growing role in regional confrontations, including cross-border reconnaissance attempts and strike missions.