Based on the successful performance of Givati in Yemei Teshuva, the IDF land forces command further improved the concept by creating a more flexible, tactical LIC (Hebrew acronym YATA) oriented operational unit at the battalion level. A major test demonstrated the capabilities of the new formation in March 2005. Designed as a “Swiss Army Knife”, Yata will continue to receive more versatile and advanced weapon systems and technologies, with the capability to “plug in” other elements and capabilities ranging from specially trained dogs to tanks and helicopters, similar to Special Operations teams.
“Although the Yata is a battalion-sized combat formation it will be equipped with C4ISR assets comparable to what is currently available at brigade and division levels, providing it with greater freedom of operation and autonomy” explains Col. Giora Segal, Director of the IDF Combat Studies Institute. “Sensors and warfighters will be the principal effectors employed by Yata formations. Network enabled dismounted warfighters, AFVs, and precision engagement systems, including snipers and helicopters, will be tasked with missions against time critical targets in complex engagements. Such elements will be controlled by forward command elements, where real-time intelligence, live video feeds and a constantly updated situational picture enable and empower authorized commanders to take decisive actions in real time. Lacking such a sophisticated situational view, such decisions were previously taken at the highest command level, a time consuming process that often extended beyond the life span of the target therefore missing many tactical opportunities.”
Among the basic elements already tested with the new unit are infantry combat suites, comprising the Tavor assault rifle, with an integrated sight camera, wearable computer and Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and rugged Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), which allow sharing images, messaging, automatic reporting and augment warfighter situational awareness. Operations in urban terrain and inside buildings also require new wireless networking facilities, which have also been demonstrated. YATA units have already tested the new Skylark mini UAVs recently procured by the IDF from Elbit Systems.
Additional parts of this article:
- Urban Combat – The Israeli Experience
- Israeli LIC Operations in Samaria
- Urban Combat Operations in Samaria (cont.)
- New Equipment for Urban Warfare fielded by the Israeli Army
- Israel, Palestinians Practice New Operational Concepts in Urban Warfare
- I.D.F Urban Warfare Battalion – Yata
- IDF Fields New C4 Equipment Optimized for urban Combat
- Israeli Army Tests New ISR Systems for Urban Warfare
- Israel Practice New Concepts for Airborne, Urban Area Domination
