Minister of Defense, Benny Gantz, with Head of SIBAT, Brig. Gen. (res) Yair Kulas. Photo: IMOD, by Ariel Hermoni.
Israel’s defense exports have reached double-digit figures for the first time, reaching a 55% increase within two years. “The demand for Israeli defense products has risen to US$11.5 billion in the past year; the sharp growth is manifested in the sharp increase in transactions between countries (G2G), among other things,” said the head of SIBAT, Brig. Gen. (res) Yair Kulas.
The rate of GTG export agreements signed by the Ministry of Defense more than tripled to $3.365 billion in 2021 compared to $911 million in 2020. “Looking ahead, shifting global priorities and partnerships such as the Abraham Accords create high demand for Israel’s cutting-edge technological systems.” The number of new agreements signed in 2021 increased by more than 30% compared to 2020, which was affected by COVID19. “The peak in defense agreements in 2021 is first and foremost a means of strengthening the security of the State of Israel. Said Minister of Defense Benny Gantz.
This export sales record follows two years of decline in exports after breaking the all-time $9.4 billion recorded in 2017. The Director-General of the Ministry of Defense, Lt. Gen. (res) Amir Eshel, defined security and defense export as one of the ministry’s central focuses. All cooperation is conducted under the IMOD Defense Export Controls Agency (DECA) regulations and the relevant international conventions.
G2G deals are often larger in scale than the sales signed by the individual companies themselves. Moreover, the terms negotiated at the ministerial level enable both sides to reach agreements faster and at lower costs than tender processes.
According to the IMOD defense exports report, the distribution of agreements by financial scope shows this trend, with deals over $100 million making the lion’s share of the exports (38%), between $50-100 million (18%), between $10-15 million (22%), and, up to $10 million (22%). According to the IMOD data, Israeli defense companies received orders worth over 700 million from the “Abraham Accords” countries, namely Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. European countries represented the largest share of orders worth 4.6 billion, Asia and the Pacific – $3.84 billion, and North America: $1.35 billion. Africa and Latin America generated a total of $670 million.
The most significant tier was Missiles, rockets, and air defense systems aggregating 20 percent of the orders, with training and training services making 15 percent of the total. Other significant tiers include UAV and drone systems (9%), radar and EW (9%), manned aircraft and avionics (9%), observation and optronics (5%), weapon stations and launchers (7%), vehicles and APCs (7%), C4I and communication systems (6%), intelligence, information, and cyber systems (4%), ammunition and armament (4%), services and other (2%).
The Gray Eagle ER (MDO) is upgraded to operate Air Launched Effects (ALE) that can operate individually or as a swarm, monitored and managed by the GE-ER acting as a 'mothership'. Illustration: GA-ASI
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) began the first installation of factory upgrades to a Gray Eagle-Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System to enhance its capabilities to support Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The MDO upgrade follows a series of demonstrations that showcased GE-ER’s persistent stand-off survivability with stand-in capabilities and up to 40 hours of endurance. Under the current program, the U.S. Army-funded program includes two aircraft. Flight tests and qualifications will start later this year.
Modernization efforts focus on increased capability and survivability in a large-scale combat operations environment. The modernization efforts ensure that the Army’s MQ-1C GE-ER (MDO) can operate and thrive in a degraded navigation environment and provide high fidelity situational awareness through a suite of long-range sensors.
According to Don Cattell, vice president for Army Programs at GA-ASI, the upgrades ensure Gray Eagle’s support of advanced teaming operations with manned and other unmanned platforms. “We are fully committed to our Army partnersto make sure our proven GE-ER is equipped for its role as the designated platform for long-range sensors and Air-Launched Effects (ALEs),” Cattell said. Deploying ALE over the area under surveillance, the Gray Eagle ER (MDO) will serve as the “ALE Mothership” and enable joint forces to maintain situational awareness deep into the battlefield.
Gray Eagle ER undergoing testing at the Yuma Proving Ground. Photo: GA-ASI
GA-ASI worked with the Army to demonstrate MDO capabilities on the Gray Eagle ER at Yuma Proving Grounds, which included fully integrated, internally mounted long-range sensors, ALEs, and laptop-based and handheld control interfaces. The Modernized GE-ER (MDO) incorporates open architecture aircraft and ground systems, advanced datalinks, and an upgraded propulsion system, significantly enhancing the ability to add new capabilities, provide resilience to electronic threats, and expeditionary employment to austere locations.
The upgraded variant utilizes the open architecture design to operate through a scalable command and control (SC2) interface. The SC2 system enables soldiers to operate the GE-ER (MDO) through a laptop or handheld devices. Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning help streamline the system’s operation and reduce operator workload.
The SC2 system enables soldiers to operate the GE-ER (MDO) through a laptop or handheld devices. Photo: GA-ASI
Demonstrations focused on enabling a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) to control the Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor on a Gray Eagle Extended Range UAS, and rapidly call for direct and indirect fire on an array of targets. The JTAC was able to see GE-ER video, aircraft location, and sensor field of regard utilizing an Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) and a TrellisWare TW-950 TSM Shadow Radio. Utilizing the GE-ER’s open architecture, the JTAC was able to send a digital ‘Call for Fires’ to request artillery support and a digital 9-line for Close Air Support with the push of a few buttons. The GE-ER, configured for Multi-Domain Operations, autonomously re-routed its flight path to provide the sensor data that the JTAC requested without commands from the GE-ER operator.
GA-ASI has demonstrated the feasibility of operating a Self-Protection Pod (SPP) on the MQ9, enhancing the survivability of the drone when operating in contested airspace. Photo: GA-ASI
Under another demonstration, GA-ASI demonstrated the use of self-protection pod (SPP) capabilities of the MQ-9 UAS, as part of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), and with the support of the Air National Guard (ANG), the U.S. Navy (USN), and industry partners. SPP leverages mature Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) to provide full-spectrum awareness and countermeasures. The pod uses Raytheon’s AN/ALR-69A(V) Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) set and Leonardo DRS AN/AAQ-45 Distributed Aperture Infrared Countermeasure (DAIRCM) System that utilizes a single sensor for both 2-color IR missile warning and wide field-of-view gimbal for threat countermeasures. Both sensors support threat warnings. In addition, the pod features BAE Systems’ ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser System to release airborne flares, chaff, and the BriteCloud Expendable Active Decoy (EAD), which is a small, expendable self-contained Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM)-based expendable decoy. The ECM suite is managed by the Terma AN/ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management System, which provides the interface, health, status, and command and control for the various systems installed in the pod. that functions as the ASE manager that coordinates between the various threat warning and dispensing systems to automatically dispense the appropriate sequencing pattern and expendables to protect the drone.
The Directorate of Defense R&D (DDR&D) in the Ministry of Defense together with the US Department of Defense Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) and the Merage Institute, will hold a first-of-its-kind competition – the Mobile Standoff Autonomous Indoor Capabilities Challenge in short: the “MoSAIC”. The competition will incorporate operating commercial robots and drones in an urban setting, in the city of Yeruham, simulating the challenges on the future battlefield.
20 of the most innovative startup companies in robotics and indoor drones are expected to participate in the competition that will take place over three days in Yeruham between April 4-6, 2022. Each group’s drones and robots will be required to complete an obstacle course where they will face several obstacles such as doors, rubble, curtains, etc. The event will test the abilities of companies from all over the world to complete navigation challenges, structure mapping, human and object tagging, human through-wall detection, maximizing autonomous movement in urban settings, and dealing with physical obstacles in urban areas including stair climbing and more.
The competition’s winners will receive funding for further product development, gain access to American and Israeli government officials, and will be accepted into the prestigious startup program taking place in California, offered by the Merge Institute.
The international competition is promoted by the R&D (Research and Development) Division at the DDR&D, as part of the search for state-of-the-art technologies to operate robotic and autonomous technologies within buildings that simulate a future battlefield.
The new testing site for autonomous and unmanned systems was established in Yeruham in 2021. The site provides a wide-open area and large enclosures designed to support a safe environment for testing autonomous vehicles. The center supports the development and experimentation of innovative defense and commercial drone activities. The center supports the large community of drone developers in Israel, counting more than 150 drone companies. About 60 of these companies also work with DDR&D.
The aerial platform selected for the combined solution uses Heven-Drones’ H100 Robo drone that lifts a weight up to 35 kg over a distance of 10 km. Photo: Heven Drones
Heven Drones, a fast-growing Israeli drone technology company, has unveiled at ISDEF 2022 an integrated robotic solution combining an aerial multirotor and unmanned ground vehicle for land and air operation. Heven Drones and Roboteam, an Israeli tactical ground robotic systems provider, jointly developed the solution. The companies began working on the project responding to a specific requirement for defense and homeland security applications raised by a customer. They are now exploring additional use cases for land and air robots to maximize efficiency in other applications.
According to Bentzion Levinson, Heven Drone’s CEO, the new ‘flying robot’ can complete various tasks in the air and on the ground. “Our collaboration with Roboteam brings our vision one step closer with land and aerial robots working together to create a fully operational product that can complete tasks from the ground and the air.”
“This collaboration allows for one unmanned aerial & ground complete system for delivering a significant payload to the battlefield with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capabilities.” Matan Shirvi, Roboteam’s COO, said. “You can fly when you want to fly, drive when you want to drive, with one controller, one software, and one radio – a single interface for maximizing the operational range in the most difficult environments and complex terrains.”
The drone is fitted with a 30kg kit for this application that includes the MTGR, robot attachments, ramp, and toolbox supporting the MTGR. Photo: Defense-Update
The aerial platform selected for the combined solution uses Heven-Drones’ H100 Robo drone, a 71 kg Maximum takeoff weight drone that lifts a weight up to 30 kg for 36 minutes over a distance of 10 km. In its flying robot configuration, Roboteam’s Micro Tactical Ground Robot (MTGR) mounts the H-100 to hop over obstacles to land on rooftops or rapidly deploy to a location where it performs its mission. For this application, the drone is fitted with a 30kg kit that includes the MTGR, robot attachments, ramp, and toolbox supporting the MTGR, resulting in a first of a kind ‘flying robot’ that maximizes the time-to-lift capabilities of ground robots and flying robots.
In its flying robot configuration, Roboteam’s Micro Tactical Ground Robot (MTGR) can hop over obstacles to land on rooftops or rapidly deploy to a location where it performs its mission. Photo: Heven Drones
Heven Drones is an innovative drone solutions company that focuses on creating and commercializing multipurpose next-generation drone systems. Using proprietary technologies, the company makes fully customizable drones with superior stability, lifting capacities, and flight endurance. Founded in 2019 in Israel, Heven Drones rapidly expands into the global drone market.
Roboteam designs, develop, and manufactures cutting-edge, user-oriented, multipurpose unmanned platforms and controllers for Defense, Law Enforcement, and Public Safety missions. Their team includes dozens of highly experienced engineers dedicated to creating units that provide complete operational and tactical control, overall mission management, and enhanced force coordination.
Israel's Ministry of Defense Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) and Rafael successfully completed the initial test series with the technology demonstrator of a high-power laser interception system against steep-track threats. The demonstrator successfully intercepted UAVs, mortars, rockets, and anti-tank missiles in multiple scenarios. Photo: IMOD
Updated: April 14, 2022: Israel’s Minister of Defense Benny Gantz has approved allocating a significant budget to develop and produce a high-power solid-state laser system designed to intercept rockets, mortars, and UAVs. Rafael, the system developer, expects to sign the full-scale development contract with the Ministry of Defense in the coming days; the initial investment amounts to hundreds of millions of NIS. By mid-April 2022, the technology demonstrator completed the first test series, intercepting UAVs, mortars, rockets, and anti-tank missiles in various scenarios.
The Iron Bea, technology demonstrator setup at Rafael’s test site in the Southern Negev. Photo: IMOD
The system’s production and deployment will cost hundreds of millions of NIS more, and the funding approved will cover the system development, procurement, and initial deployment. As Iron Beam becomes operational, it will be integrated into Israel’s multi-tier air and missile defense system, providing a cost-effective and operationally efficient lower-tier defense against missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, rockets, and mortars.
According to Rafael’s CEO, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yoav Har-Even, “the ‘Iron-Beam’ system, is the most powerful laser system of its kind in the world.” Rafael first introduced the Iron Beam high-energy laser technology concept in 2014, depicting a system consisting of a pair of high-energy lasers effectors. The two systems would deliver a combined effect with the power level required and dwell time necessary to defeat rocket and missile type airborne targets.
Israel’s Minister of Defense Benny Gantz (second to the left) visits today at the Rafael compound, together with the head of Research and Development at the DDR&D, Brigadier General Yaniv Rotem (second to the right), where CEO of Rafael, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yoav Har-Even, (first on the right) and General Manager at Elbit Systems ISTAR & EW, Oren Sabag (first on the left), presented the prototype. Photo: IMODRafael’s Iron Beam high-power laser system will become part of Israel’s multi-layered air and missile defense system. Photo: IMOD
The ministerial decision was announced by Minister of Defense Benny Gantz at Rafael compound, together with the head of Research and Development at the DDR&D Brigadier General Yaniv Rotem, where CEO of Rafael, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yoav Har-Even, and General Manager at Elbit Systems ISTAR & EW, Oren Sabag, presented the prototype. Subsequently, the Minister of Defense approved the plan’s progression according to the work plan and the agreement with Rafael.
A mortar bomb deflagrated in mid-air following the laser intercept. Photo: IMOD
The funding approval follows the program’s feasibility demonstration conducted by Israel’s Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Directorate of Defense R&D (DDR&D), which demonstrated the technological breakthrough in the development of the “Iron Beam” high-power laser system. DDR&D will be the program manager, with prime contractor Rafael and subcontractor Elbit Systems. Both companies have already demonstrated proof-of-concept land-based (Rafael) and airborne (Elbit Systems) high-power laser systems.
Minister of Defense, Benny Gantz, with Head of R&D in the DDR&D, Brig. Gen. Yaniv Rotem, holding the remains of a UAV and a mortar bomb that were intercepted by the laser system. Photo: IMOD
“Today we are advancing towards a dramatic change in the battlefield and enhancing Israel’s security in the face of growing threats emanating from Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, supported by Iran and terrorist organizations.” Minister of Defense Benny Gantz said, “The high-power laser system constitutes a strategic change in Israel’s defense of the home front in addition to the political and operational echelons’ flexibility during combat. As in the past, the DDR&D, Israeli industries, and the defense establishment continue to maintain Israel’s operational edge and save lives through creativity, flexibility, and ground-breaking technologies. We will do everything we can and allocate the necessary resources to complete the process as quickly as possible, and I am sure that along with the unprecedented operational and security gain, our investment will also lead to great economic gain for the State of Israel and ground-breaking collaborations with our allies.” Ganz added.
Israel’s investments in laser technology have led to the ability to precisely focus laser beams on long-range targets, overcoming atmospheric disturbances. The new technology is critical for the delivery of laser effects on target within a short time. It will enable the development of laser weapons capable of intercepting various threats. IMOD embarked on three parallel high-energy laser weapon systems demonstrator programs with Elbit Systems and Rafael based on that technology demonstration. In a recent test, Elbit Systems has already demonstrated the feasibility of such a laser to defeat airborne targets.
Israel’s ground-based laser weapon system is developed as a containerized system that will field similar to the Iron Dome launchers. It will complement the capabilities of the Iron Dome, establishing the lowest tier layer to augment Israel’s four-layered air defense system. This lowest layer will be able to defeat mortar bombs, and short-range rockets fired at very short ranges, leaving a very short time for intercept. While the Iron Dome missile-based C-RAM has demonstrated the capability to engage those threats, their interception by missiles is too costly to deliver for an optimal response.
DDR&D also develops a compact laser system mounted on vehicles to protect maneuver forces against direct and indirect threats. These lasers will complement the vehicle-specific active protection systems deployed on heavy and future armored combat vehicles, such as the Merkava and Namer, and provide a higher level of protection for less protected vehicles or troops in the open.
Iran's new loitering torpedo is a hybrid between a UUV and mine.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have added a batch of new ‘loitering torpedoes’ developed by Iran’s defense industries. The new weapons were unveiled yesterday during a ceremony at Bandar Abas naval base, a large naval base located at the straits of Hormoz. The new weapon that seems to be a hybrid of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) and a guided torpedo, enables the guards to direct covert attacks at enemy naval bases, ships, and offshore facilities. The Guards unveiled the new weapons at a ceremony in Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas.
The new weapon fits Iran’s strategy of gray zone operations, extending its influence and reach beyond in distant conflict zones, by equipping proxy forces with advanced weapons such as ballistic missiles and rockets, unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV), and, most recently, loitering missiles and torpedoes.
Iran has allegedly fielded several types of submersible weapons, based on torpedoes or unmanned underwater vehicles developed in the country. The recent model seems to be a hybrid between the Chinese Ye-6 and the locally developed vehicle.
If the weapon is sized about the Chinese Yu-6 torpedo, the vehicle should be able to be launched from 21-inch torpedo tubes on submarines and surface ships. However, it is likely that the new vehicle is designed for different operating conditions, particularly slow speed and low acoustic signature which would give it the stealth and endurance required to travel quietly for many hours and hundreds of miles, and disable itself to remain quiet at its destination until the arrival of a target or receipt of a comand to wake up.
Therefore, the propulsion system is likely based on an electrical system rather than the chemical propulsion used in the torpedo. However, the images published by the Iranians do not provide much insight into the performance (propeller is covered), navigation, and sensors, but it is likely that this hybrid weapon would have navigation sonar and acoustic sensors for target acquisition.
The devastating effect of the loitering torpedo striking a ship from below, cutting it by half.As illustrated in the videos published by the Iranian media, the warhead is quite potent and, since the loitering torpedo is designed to attack its target as a mine, and not in a direct frontal attack, it can use proximity sensors to explode underneath to maximize the effect against small and medium targets, port facilities, infrastructure, and offshore installations.
Until now, the war in Ukraine does not reflect the latest technology as analysts would expect. Since 2014 the Ukrainian army has been equipped with many locally produced weapons familiar to the Russians. But in recent months, Ukraine has obtained many western anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons.[playht_listen_button inline=”yes” tag=”p”]
Gifts from the West – nylon-wrapped AT4 anti-tank weapons ready for use at war.
Among them the Javelin and NLAW ATGMs, German-Dutch Panzerfaust3, and AT-4, which have caused significant losses among the Russian armor; they also successfully deployed Stinger and Strela MANPADS missiles against Russian aviation assets, including fast jets such as the Su-27/30, MiG-29, and Su-25 and low flying helicopters, such as the Mi-8/17, 24/35, 28 and Kamov Ka-52.
On the other side, Russian land forces seem disorganized when not posing to their cameras, particularly in the dismounted deployment of mechanized infantry—the lack of organized, combined arms maneuver results in heavy losses in material and lives. In the first three weeks of combat, the loss rate of Russian forces has amounted to about 8-10 percent of their force and turn to use indirect firepower by artillery, rockets, cruise, and ballistic missiles. Even if these attacks are directed at Ukrainian forces, the dispersion of such firepower results in indiscriminate attacks on cities and villages.
This Russian crossing point was detected by Ukraine drones or other aerial or space observation and apparently destroyed by Ukrainian artillery.
Although the massive employment of such military power is impressive, it does not represent state of art in weapon technology. In fact, excluding some operations of unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise and quasi-ballistic missiles by the Russians, the war in Ukraine is fought with 1990s hardware. It follows mid-1900s concepts of operation (CONOP). Unlike the Russian forces that adhered to their legacy CONOP, the Ukraine Army did make significant changes in its plans and equipment following the Russian invasion of Crimea, Donbas, and Luhansk in 2014. Since spare parts for Russian-made weapon systems were no longer available, reverse engineered, and improvements were introduced. New equipment was added, including turrets guided missiles from local production, up to new main battle tanks and APCs.
These scorched MTLBs are all that remained from this chokepoint exploited by Ukrainian anti-tank and artillery fire.
Another problem the Russians may have encountered is the Ukrainian shift from using Russian electronic equipment. Since 2015 Ukraine has established closer links to NATO and conducted many joint exercises with Western forces. They also changed some of their communications and electronic equipment that was exploited by the Russians in 2014, making electronic warfare more challenging.
Both Russia and Ukraine promoted many advanced weapons concepts and military technologies, implemented in new platforms or enhancements of existing ones. Helicopter self-protection systems are one example developed by the Russian and Belarus companies following the hard lessons learned during the Russian war in Afghanistan in the 1980s. However, based on images and videos shown in recent days, only a few of those systems were installed on aircraft sent to the battle in Ukraine. Self-protection systems were developed and integrated on Mi-8/17, Mi-28, and Ka-52.
Given many Russian losses of helicopter and fighter jets, the Ukrainian Air defense seems to do well even without the air surveillance and early warning radar network and top cover of the S-300 missiles that the Russians targeted during the first day of the war. Ukraine deployed large numbers of MANPADS, including Russian SA7/14 Strela and their Polish developed Grom and Piorun cousins, along with FIM-82 Stinger missiles delivered by the USA and some NATO member countries. The Ukraine Army operates those missiles on mobile platforms carrying quad-launchers. Based on some videos, those launchers use a new method of firing a salvo of four missiles at a single target, thus overcoming the countermeasures deployed by the target and increasing their hit probability.
Lack of effective directional infrared jammers required the aircrew to deploy an excessive number of flares to defeat MANPADS. But due to the intensive fighting and difficulties in replenishing ammunition and logistics, helicopters use fewer than an optimal number of flares or run out of flares when they are still in the hot battlespace, thus suffering increased losses. The lack of Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) is especially evident. It should be served as an urgent lesson for NATO since these countermeasures aren’t used on many of the alliance’s helicopters. The Russians developed DIRCMs to augment those flares and displayed such devices on some Russian helicopters in recent defense exhibitions (Dubai Airshow 2021, ArmyForum 2021, for example) but were not deployed on operational helicopters. The Russians also trusted the large flare dispensers used on their helicopters to store enough flares to meet the threat. Unlike some western forces, they did not follow the multi-flare path adapted by Western armies, which enabled helicopters to double, even triple the flare effect they deploy from a single dispenser.
The survivability of armored vehicles is also questionable, given the large numbers of main battle tanks destroyed by both sides and many others abandoned due to mobility issues. Both sides use Russian-made tanks that were produced in Ukraine and Russia. Both sides rely on similar guided weapons – primarily laser beam-riding anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) such as Matis, Kornet, Stunga, and Skif. These missiles are equipped with tandem hollow-charge warheads and are employed in a direct attack, striking the hull or turret in a horizontal approach.
This Russian Zala KYB loitering weapon (‘suicide drone’) was launched at targets in Kyiv but failed to explode.A Ukraine Leleka-100 drone was captured over Donetsk, allegedly by means of electronic warfare.
The tanks of the two sides differ in some elements and are well protected on the front and sides. Still, either side failed to remedy the inherent vulnerabilities of those vehicles – their top armor is tin-can thin armor exposing the turret, crew, and ammunition to be hit and explode. Western anti-tank weapons like the Javelin and NLAW pursue this weakness, as do the Turkish MAM-L, MAM-C, and Bozok, miniature and small-sized guided bombs released from the Bayraktar TB2 drones. Both Russia and Ukraine developed active protection systems for their armored vehicles but were not ready to be deployed in combat. The metal frames installed on some Russian tanks did not disrupt the top attacks as expected. Many of the tanks were destroyed with their cages, as did many Ukraine armored vehicles protected by bar armor, demonstrating that in a high-intensity war, the statistical armor addressing only specific weapons (RPG) is practically dead weight on the vehicles.
Another questionable issue is the scale of drone operations by both sides. Recent conflicts in Syria, Libya, and Nagorno Karabakh have shown many drones being used, lost, or shot down. This extensive operation also delivered a torrent of videos and images both sides used to brag about their battle success. In contrast, the situation in Ukraine is different. While there are some videos of Ukrainian drone activity, the Russian side shows little, and the images are less convincing than those provided by the same systems in other conflicts. The lack of credible videos brought some Ukrainians to fake drone combat footage using simulated attacks. The change could be caused by a lack of assets availability (drones hit on the ground or airfields disabled by Russian attacks) or the bad weather over Ukraine since the war began.
The Russian forces are equipped with tactical drones, such as the Orlan 10 and Enics. Ukraine is also using commercial drones hacked to carry explosive charges, and some loitering weapons rushed from development to the field to be tested against the advancing Russians. Lacking convincing aerial footage, the Ukrainians sought ‘fillers’ provided by what looks like amateur drone pilots using commercial drones to follow combat operations in their area. It isn’t clear whether these are official clips or amateur videos.
This Russian BMD-4M operated by the airborne troops (VDV) was abandoned, possibly due to technical problems the crew couldn’t solve.This Russian T-72B3-2016 was captured by Ukraine and activated by their troops.
Russian armored vehicles were known for their mobility and reliability in the past. But in the Ukraine war, both Russian and Ukraine AFVs performed poorly, with many wheeled and tracked vehicles abandoned after suffering technical malfunctions, stuck in the mud, lost tracks and wheels, or simply running out of fuel. The low mechanical condition of the vehicles could be attributed to the high secrecy of the invasion plans that followed months of training in Belarus and Russia. Those vehicles were used extensively during the exercises but were not restored to fighting conditions in their barracks, as military forces often do after training. As for Ukraine, many main battle tanks and other armored vehicles damaged during the combat engagement were abandoned in the areas taken by Russian forces and could not be restored. The Ukrainian troops seized some Russian T-80s and may be able to restore them, but The Malyshev tractor factory plant in Kharkiv, where Russian missiles recently struck many of the T-80s and Ukraine’s T-84s.
The ‘Javelin cages’ hastily installed on some of the Russian tanks did not pose serious countermeasures for the missiles.
For the first three weeks of the 2022 war in Ukraine, man-portable weapons – anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles have become the clear winners of battles. Ukraine uses a wide variety of them, with tens of thousands of short-range armaments received from the West. They were forward deployed to units, where small teams engaged the advancing Russian forces on the roads, villages, and towns. However, their success is also Ukraine’s demise, and they drove the Russians to use heavy firepower from standoff range. Against these attacks, the Ukrainians have no defense – as the Russian forces try to devastate, decimate, and demoralize the Ukrainians to surrender.
GA-ASI designed Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) called Gambit. Illustration: GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), introduced today an ‘Autonomous Collaborative Platform’ (ACP) called Gambit. “Gambit will usher in a new era, where UAS work collaboratively with manned aircraft to detect, identify and target adversaries at range and scale across the battlespace.” GA-ASI President David R. Alexander said.
Working alongside human-piloted aircraft, Gambit will enable pilots to see deeper into hostile airspace, detect threats first, and provide time and space for critical decisions and actions. The jet-powered platform is being built for air dominance and will heavily leverage artificial intelligence and autonomous systems advances.
The US Air Force is exploring the potential of manned-unmanned collaboration through several programs, including the Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) focused on remote ISR collection, Skyborg testing of autonomous and attritable UAVs (GA-ASI’s Avenger MQ-20 has already participated in these tests), seeking a collaborative recce and attack capability, Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) advanced aircraft program, and its integration with unmanned assets, the Golden Horde networked collaborative weapons, and Air-Launched Effects (ALEs), deploying large groups of networked autonomous drones and loitering weapons.
According to the company announcement, the ACP could act as an opening move in an air attack, just like an opening move in a Chess game – which inspires the name. Gambit is about the initiative, leading from the front, using advanced sensing to grab the tactical advantage and open a world of possibilities. According to the developers, Gambit will deliver an extended and enhanced sensing capability.
Developed as an Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) Gambit is designed through digital engineering to speed its time to market and lower acquisition costs. Designed as an advanced concept aircraft, Gambit will use AI and autonomy to complete a variety of tasks without being prompted by an operator. GA-ASI’s software and integration systems will support detection and analysis, and provide users with the highest quality intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ever possible from an unmanned aircraft.
On point out ahead of U.S. Air Force tactical aircraft, Gambit will also be able to sense and track targets of interest and distribute that information across the battlespace. “We’re designing systems to meet future requirements, to include working collaboratively and autonomously,” Alexander continued. “Gambit is part of a broader Family of Systems strategy that began with Predator and Reaper, and continues in support of USAF’s future force design concepts.”
Sky Interceptor from Skylock, on display at UMEX 2022. Photo: Defense-Update
With the growing risk of drone attacks, military and law enforcement forces seek effective means of defeating unmanned aerial vehicles. Of particular concern are the multirotor platforms that pose severe threats to civilians, strategic facilities, and military forces. [playht_player width=”100%” height=”90px” voice=”en-US-JennyNeural”]
The drones based on commercial and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) kits can be detected, intercepted, and defeated by electronic means (GPS and control link jamming, electronic ‘hijacking’ etc.). Still, others modified to become resistant to jamming and hacking. Hard kill measures are necessary to deal with these targets. Such do not necessarily rely on firearms or high directed energy, and they can employ other means to eliminate the threat before the drones reach their destination.
Israel’s C-UAS expert Skylock has unveiled at the UMEX exhibition in Dubai this week a new rocket-shaped drone inhibitor countermeasure called Sky Interceptor. According to the manufacturer, the rocket is already in production, with more than 1,000 units produced and delivered. Unlike other hard-kill countermeasures that rely on explosives and firearms and are therefore subject to export control, Sky Interceptor is commercially available and is not subject to ITAR restrictions.
Sky Interceptor is based on patent-pending technologies that enable tracking and kinetic mitigation of small UAS using a persistent countermeasure cloud released by the rocket. The cloud improves the ability to defeat small UAS at relatively long distances (compared to other non-lethal hard-kill measures) by arresting their propellers and disabling their propulsion system.
Sky Interceptor is 880 mm long and 40mm in diameter. It packs a warhead containing a mesh of thin runner stripes triggered by an area denial fuze. Photo: Skylock
The countermeasure weighs 880 grams and measures 895 mm in length. Two versions are offered, a basic version with 40mm diameter and a range of 1,100 m’ and an extended range rocket with a small booster with a 50 mm diameter, extending to 3 km. The countermeasure can be launched from the ground or the air, by helicopters or other drones, and uses a small solid rocket to reach its target.
According to Skylock, the system is safe to operate in an urban environment and enables security forces to engage UAS at a longer range without the risk of collateral damage. The warhead packs a condensed mesh of thin rubber stripes that entangles the drone’s propellers to disable its propulsion, causing it to crash. The stripes cloud deployed by the interceptor scatters over a wide area and enables the system to engage drones even as they perform evasive maneuvers and against drone swarms.
Compared to other rotor-arrestor drone countermeasures, such as net guns and 40mm grenades deploying rubber stripes, having a larger container and rocket propulsion provides Sky Interceptor with a longer range and larger area coverage, comparable to much more expensive kinetic weapons, such as C-UAS missiles, and airburst projectiles. The rockets are also cheaper to procure and maintain; according to Skylock (which produces the rockets and jammers), Sky Interceptor is more cost-effective than kinetic or electronic countermeasures.
Rafael Tamir missile launched from a C-Dome Vertical Launch Unit (VLU) on board the Israel Navy Magen corvette. Photo: IMOD
Israel’s Ministry of Defense, Rafael, and IAI have completed testing the C-Dome air and missile defense system onboard Israel’s Navy Magen corvette, the lead ship of the Saar-6 Magen class.[playht_player width=”100%” height=”90px” voice=”en-US-JennyNeural”]
The test conducted in February 2022 included the interception of targets simulating rockets, cruise missiles, and drones launched from the shore, simulating realistic threats the vessels could face at sea and on missions protecting Israel’s offshore facilities in the Mediterranean Sea.
The tests included the first deployment of C-Dome’s integral missile Vertical Launch Unit (VLU) for the Tamir interceptor missiles. Unlike the land-based Iron Dome Container-Launcher Unit (CLU) that maintains a fixed slant position, the C-Dome is integral to the ship and stores up to 10 missiles below deck in a sealed vertical launcher. This launch method provides instantaneous 360 degrees coverage, increasing the agility of the missile.
According to Rafael, C-Dome is built with a modular system architecture to gain a small footprint and rapid integration in large or small ships, such as these corvettes and offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). Having a high rate of turn the Tamir interceptor is extremely agile, and can outmaneuver most aerial targets, which makes it suitable for point defense of offshore facilities and naval vessels.
Israel Navy Magen (Saar 6) corvette tests the Rafael C-Dome point defense air and missile defense system. Photo: IMOD
The C-Dome 10-cell VLU will be placed side by side with IAI’s Barak-MX interceptors that will extend the ship’s defense over a longer range and larger areas. The vessel uses four faces of the IAI MF-STAR (Adir) active electronic scanning radar placed on the main and rear mast.
The C-Dome test was the first in a series of tests examining the ship’s operational capability. Additional systems will include the Barak MX and Leonardo 76mm rapid-fire gun turret that hasn’t been placed yet.
Tamir interceptor missile launched from the deck of INS Magen. Photo: IMODThe IAI MF-STAR (ADIR) radar is installed on the main mast. Four such panels are installed on the ship, forming a multi-function electronically scanned array radar that provides early warning and target acquisition for the missiles, while searching the full hemisphere for other targets and threats. Photo: IMODAn aft view showing the Magen’s fourth ADIR radar panel mounted on the rear mast. It completes the 360-degree coverage of the ship’s ADIR radar. The ADIR is a smaller version of the MF-STAR radar, a family of radars developed for the Barak-8 air defense missile system designed for large combatant ships. Photo: IMODThe Tamir missile is stored under the deck in sealed canisters. The VLU is designed to withstand ‘hot-launch’, enabling rocket ignition inside the launcher. The hot gases are diverted through vents to protect the missile upon ignition. Photo: IMOD
Nexter to develop an improved version of the CAESAR Self Propelled Gun using a new chassis, with more powerful engine, ballistic protected cab and SCORPION configured C4I. Image: Nexter
France’s Nexter company has announced the receipt of an order worth €600 million from the national armament development agency (DGA) to develop and produce a new generation of the Caesar truck-mounted self-propelled howitzer to be designated Caesar 6×6 Mark 2 New generation (NG). [playht_player width=”100%” height=”90px” voice=”en-US-BrandonNeural”]
The contract covers four years for development and testing and a follow-on procurement of dozens Self-Propelled-Guns (SPG) to increase the inventory of Caesar SPG in the French Army to 109 units. The actual number of new systems to be produced hasn’t been determined yet. Either a new production of 109 vehicles or production of 33 vehicles and remanufacturing/upgrading of 76 are considered options. Either option is required to bring all 109 units to operational status by 2031. The contract also includes extending the Caesar maintenance and support program for two years, extending the current support plan to the end of the decade.
The new variant will retain the gun system but will get a new Arquus made chassis with a more powerful 460 HP diesel engine (up for the current 215 HP powerplant), and an automatic transmission. The truck will get an armored cab, meeting ballistic protection according to the STANAG 4695 Level 2 standard and the corresponding IED/mine protection level. In addition, a new fire control and battle management system, and a CONTACT radio set, will enable full integration with the French Army SCORPION regimental framework already adopted by France and Belgium. The plan also calls for preparing the new SPG to be equipped with a BARRAGE-type counter-IED jammer.
The Caesar Mk2 contract comes in synch with the release of the €1.2 billion procurement order for the fourth tranche of the Scorpion multi-year program. This order covers 356 Griffon troop carriers (including 56 mortar carriers) and 88 Jaguar armored reconnaissance vehicles; both wheeled 6×6 vehicles. This new order brings the volume of French investment in Scorpion in 2021-2025 to about €5 billion.
Satellite photo showing a rocket launcher unit in marching formation, 19 February 2022, Crimea. Photo: Imagesat International (ISI)
The following satellite images (19 February 2022) were taken by the ImageSat International Eros reconnaissance satellite. Despite the Russian MOD announcement on 15 February of units moving out of the peninsula, the 19 February shots show a continued buildup of Russian military forces in Crimea. The satellite images show military concentrations in built-up and open areas around the township of Novoozerne on the western side of the Crimea peninsula.
Russian forces buildup in Novoozerne, Crimea, as shown in satellite photos taken 19 February 2022. by Imagesat International (ISI) Eros satellites. Source ISIThe Crimea peninsula and Southern Ukraine. Source: Google earthArea 1-1: Forces concentrations showing part of the units moving out of the staging area and grouped two columns in marching formation (lower right side).Area 1-2: Another unit of rocket launchers is staged in a three-line formation ready for marching. On the 15th, this area was empty. This unit is located south of the staging area shown on Area 1-1. Source ISIArea 1-3: Another unit, possibly a mechanized battalion, moves into a marching formation northwest of the staging area (Area-1). The image on the right shows the same area on 15 February 2022 – empty vehicles. Source ISIArea 1-4: Another unit newly arrived at the empty area just four days ago. Source ISIArea 2 – Other forces are concentrated in another part of Novoozerne, Crimea. Source ISIArea 2-1: Another image shows the deployment of a sizeable mechanized formation outside the staging area, positioned in marching order. Source ISIArea 2-2: Russian units that have recently arrived in this staging area, this satellite image shows vehicles parked adjacent to a logistic area, north to the unit preparing to march, shown on Area 2-1. Source ISI
Rheinmetall has unveiled a new member of the company’s Lynx combat vehicle family. Described as the mechanized fire support variant of the Lynx KF41 IFV, the Lynx 120, comprises a turret concept that mounts the proven 120mm smoothbore cannon with the Lynx KF 41 chassis. [playht_player width=”100%” height=”90px” voice=”en-US-JennyNeural”]Just a couple of weeks ago, Rheinmetall Defence Australia unveiled a combat support vehicle (CSV) variant of the Lynx, now there is the fire support version as well. With this direct fire weapon, derived from the main armament of the Leopard 2, the Lynx 120 provides mechanized troops fire support capacity derived from high-explosive anti-structure rounds and anti-tank capabilities based on high explosive anti-tank (DM11) or kinetic (APFSDS) ammunition.
The Lynx 120 provides additional battlefield assets for Lynx platform users, such as Hungary, that already selected the Lynx KF41 for the modernization of its mechanized forces. The KF41 provides a medium-weight, well-protected, and versatile platform designed for rapid customization to specific missions. The vehicle architecture has been simplified and provides an open ‘plug-and-play’ capability for future upgrades, while complying with, and adapting to, NATO standards.
Utilizing the KF 41 modular chassis and a scalable large-caliber turret concept, the Lynx 120 harbors vast growth potential and an assured overmatch capability. As such, Lynx 120 is designed to deliver maximum lethality and firepower on tracks, paired with the latest platform defense technologies. The secondary armament includes a coaxial machine gun, and the commander’s independent weapon station will feature an additional .50 cal. machine gun. A 360° camera system with automatic target detection and tracking provides fire control for the gun.
Two of Rheinmetall’s KF-41 Lynx family members are the armored infantry fighting vehicle (right) and combat support vehicle (left). Photo: RheinmetallKF-41 command vehicle variant. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense-Update
Special protection modules enable a mission-specific response to ballistic threats, improvised explosive devices, explosively formed penetrators, and artillery fire, and can be quickly mounted with limited tools. Moreover, the Lynx 120 can be readily equipped with the proven, already fielded Rheinmetall Active Defence System, or ADS, to defeat rocket-propelled grenades and antitank missiles. Additional armor packages and active protection systems can be provided on request.
The basic idea behind the Lynx 120 design concept is to provide a combat system that offers maximum operational performance in combination with logistic advantages within a reasonable timeframe at a realistic cost.
Various nations are interested in acquiring the Lynx as a next-generation replacement for their aging inventories. The platform is currently a strong contender in Australian and Slovak IFV modernization plans and is competing for the USA’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program. Hungary became the launch customer in 2021. Going beyond strictly military aspects such as increased interoperability and capability upgrades, major localization elements form an integral part of these procurement plans, aimed at boosting local industry and creating jobs.
Elbit System's Skylark 3 Hybrid is powered by two motors - an internal combustion engine in the front, and an electrical motor in the back. Photo: Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems unveiled today a new version of its Skylark 3 Small Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (STUAS) equipped with a hybrid propulsion system. As the classic Skylark 3, the drone is a covert operation UAS. [playht_player width=”100%” height=”90px” voice=”en-US-JennyNeural”]The hybrid propulsion system is designed to enable fast arrival to the Area Of Interest (AOI) using the combustion engine. When operating in the area of interest, the silent mode (electrical engine) can be activated. Therefore, it enables the combination of long-endurance operations while providing real-time, day, and night intelligence.
According to the company, the use of a battery-powered electric engine with an internal combustion engine using heavy-fuel triples the endurance and offers up to 18 hours of operations. The propulsion system is fully integrated into the airframe, retaining the size or weight, significantly increasing mission effectiveness and cost-efficiency.
The classic Skylark 3 uses a battery-powered electrical motor coupled to a pusher propeller. The new hybrid model adds a fuel-efficient internal combustion engine in the front. The use of a battery-powered electrical engine minimizes the acoustic and thermal signature. In addition to the gains in endurance and silent operation, the twin-engine architecture also improves flight safety by redundancy, as the two motors are independent of each other, thus enabling one engine to back up the other.
This side view of the Skylark 3 Hybrid on a launch rail shows the two motors in idle. Photo: Elbit Systems
The higher endurance of the Skylark 3 Hybrid increases the drone’s loitering time above AOI thus requiring fewer platforms per mission. Two Skylark 3 Hybrid STUAS can be assigned to the same mission simultaneously managed by a shared ground control station. The drone is operated by a crew of two, it is launched via a pneumatic launcher that can be mounted on a vehicle or vessel. The Skylark 3 is retrieved by parachute at a pre-designated landing area.
Skylark 3 small tactical UAS is designed for operation as an organic ISR asset by the tactical land forces (brigades and above). launched from a catapult and retrieved by parachute. Photo: Elbit Systems
Skylark 3 Hybrid has a 4.7m wingspan, a maximum takeoff weight of 50kg, a service ceiling of 12,000ft, and a range of 120km. It features dual payload capacity with a “plug&play” interface for a quick replacement of sensors in the field. The Skylark 3 Hybrid is capable of integrating a range of payloads including high-resolution Electro-Optical gimbaled payload, ELINT, COMINT, and laser designators, among others.
[playht_listen_button inline=”yes” tag=”p”]Elbit System is displaying the Skylark 3 Hybrid for the first time at the Singapore Airshow 2022.
Skylark 3 is being launched from a launch rail. Utilizing the IC engine for the initial phase of the flight, launch, acceleration, and ascend to cruising altitude and transit to AOI saves all of the batteries’ electrical power for the reconnaissance phase of the mission, which can be done in a silent mode. Photo: Elbit Systems.
[wlm_nonmember]The Skylark 3 can also be configured with the new, wide-area persistent intelligence (WAMI) gathering system, the MiniSkEye payload, designed for light platforms. Subscribe to read the full review[/wlm_nonmember][wlm_ismember]
Another innovation related to the Skylark 3 platform is the introduction of MiniSkEye, a wide-area persistent surveillance (WAPS) system that provides enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Until now, this capability was enabled with larger platforms, such as the Hermes 900 and 450. Designed for small platforms, MiniSkEye can fit inside a drone such as the Skylark 3, or be carried by light aircraft packed as a pod. The MiniSkEye produces wide-area coverage, much larger than the “Soda Straw” views of conventional EO/IR payloads. It provides automatic detection, tracking, and alerts on suspicious movements and activities in designated areas. This capability enhances a wide range of tasks including military fire support, maneuvering force operations, border protection, and disaster relief.
The Compact and lightweight MiniSkEye can be easily integrated on a variety of platforms, from small unmanned airborne systems to light aircraft. Data and video are stored and disseminated, to designated mission consoles or through C4I networks, using industry-standard interfaces at minimal bandwidth. Aerial Surveying of large area swaths enables the discovery of activity and changes in large areas, providing real-time intelligence for a variety of military applications. The system integrates a Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) reconnaissance for persistent surveillance of a wide area enabling the users to tightly monitor movements as they occur, in the day and at night, and gather intelligence to recognize and monitor patterns of life analysis over a long term.
Founded in the late 1980s, Controp has evolved from a boutique electro-optical house to a global provider of integrated EO/IR solutions. Leveraging advanced optics, sophisticated stabilization, and AI-driven analytics, the company’s “Defining Clarity” ethos shapes a new era of defense capabilities, offering enhanced situational awareness for air, land, and maritime operations.
Founded in the late 1980s, Controp has evolved from a boutique electro-optical house to a global provider of integrated EO/IR solutions. Leveraging advanced optics, sophisticated stabilization, and AI-driven analytics, the company’s “Defining Clarity” ethos shapes a new era of defense capabilities, offering enhanced situational awareness for air, land, and maritime operations.
Representatives of the Israeli and Slovakian Defense ministries have Signed a 560 million Euro Agreement to deliver the Barak MX Integrated Air Defense System Produced by IAI. Barak MX and Barak 8 air defense systems are currently operational with several nations. The Slovakian acquisition is important in integrating the BARAK MX system into the NATO air defense network, which could pave the system’s entry into other Alliance members.
XTEND, an AI-driven drone technology expert, has been awarded an $8.8 million contract by the U.S. Department of Defense to supply VR-operated Precision Strike Indoor & Outdoor (PSIO) small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), a first DoD-approved loitering munition platform for both indoor and outdoor operations. With cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), these tactical drones deliver real-time, high-precision strikes, redefining smart munitions in modern warfare.
The US Department of Defense's annual report on Chinese military and security developments was presented to Congress today. In this post and podcast, we dissect the report, which isn't just another geopolitical overview. It’s...
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