Imaging sensors were used with precision guided weapons since the early 1970. Until recently, lack of processing power and datalink capacity have limited the use of such guidance techniques to relatively short range direct attack weapons (such as Maverick) and medium range strike missiles (such as Have Lite and SLAM). With the introduction of powerful thermal imaging sensors and signal processors, autonomous (fire and forget) missiles are now available for anti-tank uses. Similar capabilities are also provided to support standoff aerial weapons, both for autonomous and guided weapons. These weapons offer high precision, and inherent battle damage assessment capability which cannot be provided by GPS, SAL or radar directed weapons. Furthermore, EO sensors enable important functions which are becoming essential for modern warfare – such as positive, automatic or manual identification of targets, engagement of moving targets, and dynamic aimpoint selection even with autonomous weapons, with the use of target recognition and tracking (ATA/ATR). While “man in the loop” capability of EO guided weapons is extremely useful, deployment of many such weapons in simultaneous attack require significant investment in bandwidth and datalink coordination and support, which can complicate the execution.
Countering the UAS Threat
Tamir Eshel - 0
The ongoing wars in Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and the Middle East have emphasized drones as a new and rapidly changing tool of warfare. First manifested in the US war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the...
Iron Swords War – Air Defense Challenge
Tamir Eshel - 0
Unlike the land campaign in Gaza that involved mostly ground forces on both sides, most activities on other fronts were conducted in the aerial domain, which tasked Israeli air defense forces to spread out their assets, learn to adapt and improve under fire, and engage different threats, the new techniques, and tactics developed by the enemy. This article outlines Israel's current and evolving air and missile defense capabilities in retrospect of the recent events.
The Evolving Role of Military Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
Tamir Eshel - 0
Recent combat operations have demonstrated the profound influence of unmanned aerial vehicles on recent warfare. This article highlights the new roles and utilization of UAS in ISR, logistics and attack, leveraging hybrid designs of VTOL, fixed wing, ICE and electric propulsion.
AFV Situational Awareness in the Urban Battlespace
Tamir Eshel - 0
Armored fighting vehicles face other challenges when operating in urban combat. They are exposed to snipers or anti-tank teams operating from elevated positions on rooftops or accessing underground shafts too close for the crew...
Israel’s Indoor Surveillance and Attack Drones
Tamir Eshel - 0
Operating drones low above ground and in complex terrain represents unique challenges, as most drone controls are limited to line of sight and uninterrupted satellite-based navigation. To endure in a GNSS-contested environment and operate indoors or underground, standard drones would not operate in such conditions. The drone platforms specially designed for subterranean or indoor environments require unique networking, sensing, navigation, and controls to enable such operations. Since these missions are complex and the drones are small, they are used in mission-specific roles such as autonomous mappers, FPV-operated lead elements, and armed effectors.