|
According to Lt. Col. Eran Granit, IDF Land Forces' Head of
Weapon Systems, the CARDOM
version selected by the IDF is a more advanced version of the
vehicle mounted 120mm mortar system developed by Soltam, and
fielded with the US Army Stryker brigade combat teams. The Israeli
version designated "Keshet" is fully integrated with
brigade's command and control system, enabling automatic mortar
aiming, (traversing and elevation) to rapidly target targets
with high precision. The manually loaded system will enable
battalion commanders to employ autonomous fire support which
was previously available at brigade level and above.
In 2008 Infantry battalions are also expected to receive the
Samson armored, remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWS).
Some of the vehicles, such as the Achzarit AIFV are equipped
with mechanical 'Overhead Weapon Stations' (OWS), also developed
by Rafael. The externally mounted Samson will free some space
inside the fighting compartment and improve situational awareness
and target acquisition and engagement capability with the introduction
of electro optical day/night sensors and stabilized weapon mount.
Similar systems are already installed on elevated sites along
the Israeli border with the palestinian gaza strip, providing
persistent coverage, by visual observation and firepower, along
this sensitive borderline.
You are invited to comments and discuss this article on
|