UK Delivers Blow to Israeli Defense Industries with Sudden Decision
The UK has decided to end the Watchkeeper Mk 1 drone program, impacting Israel's defense sector and disappointing Israeli media. Launched in 2008, the program faced cost overruns and technical issues. While Israel expresses concern, Palestinian officials celebrate the move as a victory against drone use in the conflict.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
The United Kingdom has dealt a significant blow to Israel's defense industries with a surprise decision to end its program for the Watchkeeper Mk 1 drones, which were first introduced 14 years ago. The move has been met with disappointment from Israeli media outlets and concerns about the potential economic impact on the country's defense sector.
The Watchkeeper Program
The Watchkeeper program was launched in 2008, with the aim of providing the British Army with a state-of-the-art drone system for intelligence gathering and surveillance. The program was developed in partnership with Israeli company Elbit Systems and French company Thales, and was based on the design of the Hermes 450 drone.
The UK's Decision
In a statement, UK Defense Secretary John Healey announced that the Watchkeeper system would be retired by March 2025, citing the need for the army to modernize its capabilities to meet the demands of the modern battlefield. Healey stated that the army needs to have "clearly modern capabilities to operate in the most challenging environments" and that the retirement of Watchkeeper would allow the army to transition to a more advanced system.
The Impact on Israel
The decision has been met with disappointment from Israeli media outlets, which have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the country's defense sector. The Watchkeeper program was a significant contract for Elbit Systems, and the loss of the program could have economic implications for the company.
The Palestinian Reaction
In contrast, Palestinian officials have welcomed the UK's decision, with some taking to social media to celebrate the news. The move has been seen as a victory for Palestinian activists who have been campaigning against the use of drones in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Reasons Behind the Decision
The UK's decision to end the Watchkeeper program is likely due to a number of factors, including:
- Cost overruns: The program has been plagued by cost overruns, with the total cost of the program increasing from £800 million to £1.3 billion.
- Technical issues: The Watchkeeper drones have been criticized for their technical limitations, including their vulnerability to jamming and hacking.
- Modernization: The UK's decision to modernize its military capabilities is likely driven by the need to keep pace with emerging threats and technologies.
The Future of UK-Israel Defense Relations
The UK's decision to end the Watchkeeper program has raised questions about the future of UK-Israel defense relations. While the two countries have a long history of cooperation on defense issues, the decision has highlighted the complexities and challenges of working together on sensitive projects.
Table: Watchkeeper Program Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | 2008 |
| Manufacturer | Elbit Systems and Thales |
| Design | Based on Hermes 450 drone |
| Total cost | £1.3 billion |
| Retirement date | March 2025 |
Conclusion
The UK's decision to end the Watchkeeper program is a significant blow to Israel's defense industries, and highlights the complexities and challenges of working together on sensitive projects. While the decision has been met with disappointment from Israeli media outlets, it has been welcomed by Palestinian officials who see it as a victory for their cause.
