The competition for the supply the French Army with multi-purpose guided weapons is not over yet, even after the French Ministry of Defense has ordered an initial batch of 36 Javelin missiles systems, to equip French forces operating in Afghanistan. According to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency France has requested 76 such systems, plus 260 missiles. The current order that could amount up to $69 million, fulfils urgent operational requirement for Afghanistan operations. The head of the Direction Generale pour l’Armement (DGA) procurement office Laurent Collet-Billon said a follow-on competition will determine which company will win this contract.
The French selection of the Javelin was logical, due to the availability of this weapon and support equipment is more available in Afghanistan, with U.S. Army, Marines and British forces. The Javelin is widely used in theater to suppress and attack snipers and mortar locations firing beyond the effective range of small caliber weapons such as 0.5 machine guns and high power sniper rifles. Its sight module is also used independent of the weapon, for observation and target acquisition at extended range.
However, the requirements for the French acquisition are broader than the limited mission Javelins are performing in Afghanistan. The will be used as successors to Milan-2 anti-tank missiles, used by all French infantry units, and will be called upon to perform as anti-tank and multi-purpose weapons. Despite its near-term selection of the Javelin, France is still undecided which of the two contenders will wind the final award for undred of launchers – the Raytheon/Lockheed Martin team offering the Javelin anti-armor missile or the Israeli/European team offering the Spike missile developed by Israel’s Rafael’s Advanced Defense Systems and produced by the European Eurospike company. The French ministry plans to award the contract to a local prime contractor, most likely EADS/MBDA or Thales, each of these local companies will team with one of the the foreign developers, facilitating local integration, production, training and support.
Sofar the Spike has beaten Javelin in most NATO countries, except the UK, and Ireland. Spike has won major orders in Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany. Among the advantages attributed to the Spike are its scalability, multi-purpose warhead and weapon station integration. The Javelin is also undergoing product improvement, to include a planned introduction of a multi-purpose warhead in the near future.
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GDOTS) has successfully demonstrated a lightweight, precision guided weapon that could potentially be launched from tactical-class unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAV), such as the RQ-7 Shadow. Transformed into a precision guided bomb, a standard 81mm mortar bomb is applied with a smart guidance kit, replacing its standard fuze. The guidance section employs GD’s patented Roll-Controlled Fixed-Canard (RCFC) system, guiding the bomb to impact precisely on a pre-designated target.
This nose-mounted guidance kit was designed as a common, multi-platform Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC); according to the manufacturer, it has been successfully demonstrated on multiple mortar calibers, in both air-drop and tube-launch applications. The recent test was carried out at Ft. Sill, where an 81mm Air-Dropped Guided Mortar (ADM) bomb was deployed from an aircraft. The interface with the launching platform was provided by the ‘Smart Rack’ carriage and release system, also developed by General Dynamics, enabling the weaponization of any tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV) platform. (see photo)
This application has been designed to meet the requirements of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Special Forces, for a rapid target-response capability. It was developed in conjunction with the U.S. Army’s Armament Research Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) in Picatinny Arsenal, N.J. The weapon was first tested in December 2008. The ADM will use existing mortar inventory to provide a low-cost, lightweight weapon system, with proven energetics. The company’s patented GPS enhanced, Roll Controlled Fixed Canard (RCFC) guidance kit is employed in this 81mm air-drop configuration, while enhancing the precision of tube-launched 120mm mortar bombs.
The tube-launched application is a low-cost guidance approach already successfully demonstrated at Yuma Proving Grounds, in a tactical 120mm guided mortar configuration, known as the Roll Controlled Guided Mortar (RCGM). The tube-launched 120mm RCGM uses the existing warhead and the M934A1 fuze.
Sagem has been awarded a contract to supply 3,400 AASM Air-to-Ground Weapons to equip the French Air Force Rafale aircraft. The order also covers the initial order of 680 weapons. This latest order follows the initial contract won by Sagem for 750 AASMs to be delivered to the French air force. The AASM has been deployed on Rafale fighters in Afghanistan for the last two years.
The basic version will integrate an upgraded, GPS module and be prepared to receive an Inertial/GPS and laser terminal guidance systems. The new multi-sensor guided version expands the AASM family, which already includes two versions qualified on the Rafale multirole combat aircraft, with inertial/GPS or inertial/GPS/infrared guidance. In particular, the new version enables precision strikes against moving targets. The AASM weapon family comprises kits and augmentation kits fitting 1,000, 500, 250, and 125 kg bombs.
Launched from standoff distance, day or night and in all weather conditions, the AASM offers a range exceeding 50 kilometers. The AASM can be released at low altitude, and can also be fired off-axis, in relation to the aircraft’s flight path. It offers very high precision and strikes its target vertically, a feature suited to asymmetrical conflicts. This makes it the perfect weapon for combat in difficult terrain or urban environments, for both planned missions and opportunity fire.
The fourth flight of the Indian long range missile AGNI-3 with a range capability of 3,500 km was tested successfully by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) last month. The missile was launched from the Wheeler Island, in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Odisha. Overall, with a range of 3,500 km, Agni III is considered a potent weapon designed to balance a potential Chinese threat, rather than the Pakistani missiles. Compared to its Chinese peers – CSS-5 and DF-21, Agni III is considered more advanced.
The Indian Ministry of Defense confirmed the missile, tested for the full range, have met all the mission objectives. The two-stage AGNI-3 Missile has a length of 17 meters and diameter of two meters. With launch weight of 50 tons, the solid propellant powered missile carries a payload of up to 1.5 tons, sufficient for carrying nuclear warheads. The recent flight took the missile to an altitude of 350 km.
The recent test is part of the missile’s developmental test plan. Although the Indian Defense Department claims the missile is ‘ready for induction’, more testing and verifications remain to be done. At present Agni III is transported by rail and launched from prepared launch pads. Operational missiles should be able to deploy more flexibly and rapidly – missile stored in containers, and launched utilizing transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) systems yet to be deployed.
APKWS, the lightweight 2.75″ laser guided rocket developed by BAE Systems in partnership with the U.S. government, has been approved for production. The U.S. Marine Corps will initially deploy APKWS from AH-1W Cobra helicopters. APKWS also has been successfully demonstrated from a U.S. Army OH-58 Kiowa Warrior. APKWS is the Program of Record established by the U.S. Government to meet war fighter requirements for a laser-guided 2.75″ rocket. The Navy assumed acquisition executive oversight of the program in 2008 and has fully funded it for production.
Prior to being declared production-ready, the weapon underwent a rigorous series of flight, component, and all-up-round qualification tests. The flight tests, which culminated in a perfect 8-for-8 score in a series designed and conducted by Marine test pilots, demonstrated that the system’s accuracy exceeds government requirements. Throughout its eight-year history of flight tests, APKWS has hit an average distance from the center of the laser spot of less than 0.75 meters against a government specification of 2 meters.
In a series of shots fired during the weeks of Jan. 11 and 18, Marine AH-1W Cobra helicopters flying a variety of scenarios fired laser-guided APKWS rockets at targets typical of those encountered in theater. Live warheads were fitted to the APKWS guidance section, and in day and night tests, the guided rockets struck their laser-designated targets and detonated on impact.
“The APKWS operational assessment has demonstrated the system’s effectiveness in a variety of scenarios involving various targets, platform speeds, ranges, and tactics,” said Maj. Matt Sale, requirements officer for Marine Corps Aviation Weapons. “The system’s reliability has been proven with its 19-for-19 performance in tests, exceeding requirements and expectations. We are confident that APKWS is the right-size weapon for many of our typical engagements and will be highly effective in allowing Marine aviators to prosecute targets.”
The weapon system, which transforms standard 2.75-inch unguided rockets to smart, highly precise laser-guided missiles, “is a game-changer for our nation’s war fighters,” said Mike Lewis, vice president and general manager of soldier and vehicle solutions at BAE Systems. “Its demonstrated precision and small warhead mean aviators can prosecute very specific targets from a greater distance without incurring collateral damage. The technology’s low weight compared to other precision-guided munitions is critical to mission success on helicopters operating in high-altitude environments.”
APKWS is a low-cost alternative to other air-launched munitions currently in inventory. Because it uses standard launchers, APKWS requires no platform integration or aircraft modifications, and because it is loaded and fired like a standard 2.75-inch rocket, it requires little additional aviator or ordnance crew training. The mid-body design of its guidance section enables use of existing warheads, fuses, and rocket motors, enhancing the capability of the existing 100,000-unit inventory of unguided rockets.
A modified version of the PAC-3 Missile has been tested successfully in February 2010, verifying the latest enhancement of the system known as PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE). During the test the missile successfully intercepted a threat representative tactical ballistic missile target over the White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
The PAC-3 MSE Missile was selected as the primary interceptor for the multi-national Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) in September 2006. The MEADS program has completed hardware Critical Design Reviews and is now integrating and testing the radars, launchers, tactical operation centers and reloaders needed for system tests at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., in 2012.
The PAC-3 MSE Missile provides increased performance, greater altitude and range than the baseline PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) Missile. The new missile uses a larger rocket engine, resulting in a larger diameter. Its aerodynamic surfaces are larger and the span of the aft control surfaces is greater, to accommodate the increased performance envelope. To sustain the missile’s longer engagement profile, the missile uses new thermal batteries with increased capacity.
The PAC-3 MSE Missile is packaged in a single canister, four of which can be operated by each MSE upgraded Patriot launcher. Each of the upgraded launchers could be configured with a mix of PAC-3 and MSE weapons.
AeroVironment Wasp micro UAV Block III. Photo: AeroVironment
The French forces have received three new SDTI drones, the new production units were ordered in August 2009 under as part of a € 5 million contract. The new SDTI model uses redesigned, lighter wings improving the drone’s performance operating from high elevations and at high temperatures.
The SDTI was inducted to French Army service with the 61th Artillery Regiment (Chaumont) in 2004. After 10 deploying to Kosovo for months in 2007, the regiment has deployed to the Tora Surobi forward operating base in Afghanistan where it is stationed since October 2008.
The SDTI tactical drone is supporting French troops in Afghanistan since October 2008. Photo: French Army SIRPAElbit Systems Skylark 1 mini-UAV. Photo: Elbit Systems
While the French Army is operating the SDTI, the Special Forces are been equipped with mini and micro UAVs to enhance situational awareness, force protection and target acquisition. In recent months the command has fielded the AeroVironment Wasp micro UAVs augmenting the Elbit Systems Skylark 1 mini-UAV in service with French special forces since 2008. The hand-launched Wasp provides the SF teams with more autonomy, supporting missions characterized by short duration and close range.
In addition to these tactical UAV assets, the French Air Force is also operating three Heron type medium-altitude long endurance (MALE) UAVs in Afghanistan.
AeroVironment Wasp micro UAV Block III. Photo: AeroVironment
Defense industries and U.S. government research and development authorities are rapidly progressing to mature high power solid-state lasers (SSL), for use as directed energy weapons capable of delivering lethal effects at long range, at the speed of light. “It really is a historical event,” said Michael Rinn, vice president and program director of Boeing’s Airborne Laser Systems. “As we look back … we’ll understand how important it was.”
For more than thirty years, the Army and other DOD organizations have developed and tested a variety of directed energy devices, including both chemical and solid state lasers. High-power chemical lasers proved to be successful in testing against rockets, artillery and mortars (RAM), but by using chemical fuels, would cause a large logistical burden for the warfighter. In 2005 the Army decided to focus on all-electric SSLs, as the lower cost high energy laser (HEL) path to the future, with the only consumable, being diesel fuel for electric generators.
When weaponized, a 100kW class SSL will be capable of protecting the warfighter against RAM threats and unmanned aerial systems. Other mission applications for scalable high power SSLs include stand-off negation of unexploded ordnance and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), anti-sensor applications, and precision strike, with minimal collateral damage. Boeing has also developed and is testing an Airborne Tactical Laser aboard a C130 gunship, capable of targeting ground vehicles. This type of system could be employed by special operations units.
Similar high power lasers are proposed as standard equipment for future manned and unmanned strike aircraft, including the F-35 and future unmanned combat aerial vehicles. The recent successful tests included the Boeing-led Airborne Laser Testbed intercepting ballistic missiles from long range, using powerful chemical lasers which have captured the headlines, but parallel programs employing solid-state lasers are also under progress. Two of the programs expected to reach maturity in the near future, are the U.S. Navy’s Free Electron Laser, and the Joint High Power Solid State Laser (J-HPSSL) sponsored by the Army.
The U.S. Army and Navy are progressing toward Missile Defense Recent tests, involving high power laser which have demonstrated, that directed energy weapons are maturing and becoming more feasible, evolving toward weapon-grade systems. The FEL weapon will employ a powerful electrons beam, conducted through a series of powerful magnetic fields, generating an intense emission of laser light that can be used to disable, or destroy high speed cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles, at the speed of light. Such a device does not exist yet, but in March 2010 the Boeing Company, developing the system for the U.S. Navy, has successfully completed the preliminary design of the U.S. Navy’s Free Electron Laser (FEL) weapon system, a key step toward building a FEL prototype for realistic tests at sea. Following this milestone the Navy is expected to decide this summer, whether to award additional task orders to Boeing, completing the FEL design and building and operating a laboratory demonstrator.
Another solid-state high-power laser is the Joint High Power Solid State Laser (J-HPSSL) being developed under an effort of the U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command. The first of two lasers developed under the program will soon be deployed to the High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility (HELSTF) in New Mexico. The new facility will employ the solid state laser, coupled with the beam control, command and control systems already built for the Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) in the 1990s.
The THEL system was developed under cooperative effort to deploy a directed-energy Counter Rocket-Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) weapon, protecting Israeli settlements along the northern border, against attacks by Palestinian terrorists and Hezbolla militias. Funding for full scale development and fielding of the system was halted when the Israeli army withdrew from occupied South Lebanon, in May 2000. Several attempts to revive the program, were shelved and the Israel MOD finally opted to develop a missile-based C-RAM system instead (Iron Dome). The new transportable facility will broadly follow the path projected for the THEL follow-up system known as MTHEL, utilizing a solid state laser instead of the megawatt-level chemical laser source. It will provide the Army with the necessary infrastructure for first high-power, Solid State Laser Testbed Experiment (SSLTE).
BAE Systems was selected to be the prime contractor responsible for the systems engineering and test planning of SSLTE. The company is developing a modular and transportable enclosure to house the powerful laser device and its control room at the site. This first JHPSSL Phase 3 laser device, built by Northrop Grumman, is one of two SSL laboratory devices being developed in cooperation with the High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office and other services. The second device, being built by Textron Corp., has also achieved 100 kW performances this year. A 100kW laser can rapidly heat a target causing various catastrophic effects, such as exploding a warhead or initiate airframe failure.
Under the J-HPSSL program the Northrop Grumman laser has reached the 100kW power level threshold for a solid-state laser, demonstrating turn-on time of less than one second and continuous operating time of greater than five minutes, with very good efficiency and beam quality. The system built by Textron Defense Systems has also demonstrated a +100kW operation recently, using a laboratory demonstration device. Textron designers are utilizing the THINZAG, employing a single-aperture power oscillator with unique, scalable optical configuration enabling designers to achieve high average power for use in the operational, weapon-grade applications.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a globally recognized leader in development and production of military and commercial aerospace and defense systems. A world leading aerospace & defense company, IAI is Israel’s leading defense contractor and largest industrial exporter in Israel. The company’s portfolio covers a broad spectrum of applications in space, air, land, sea and homeland defense, including:
Business jets
Unmanned air vehicles (UAV),
Radars, mission aircraft and AEW aircraft
EW, ELINT/ESM, SIGINT and COMINT/COMJAM
Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missiles (ATBM)
Missiles and smart weapons
Satellites, ground stations and space launchers Upgrading of military aircraft and helicopters
Maintenance and conversion of commercial aircraft, including conversion to aerial refueling
Navigation systems, EO payloads, communications and many other technologies, products and services.
Brigadier Amir Sultan Tarar AKA 'Colonel Imam', a veteran Pakistan Army officer and Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) operative is widely believed to have played a key role in the formation of the Taliban.
Excerpts from the RT interview with Former Pakistani ISI Operative, Brigadier Amir Sultan Tarar
Brigadier Amir Sultan Tarar AKA ‘Colonel Imam’, a veteran Pakistan Army officer and Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) operative is widely believed to have played a key role in the formation of the Taliban, after having helped train the Afghan Mujahideen;on behalf of the United States in the 1980s. Tarar is a graduate of Pakistan’s Military Academy, he is a commando-Guerrilla warfare specialist, trained at the U.S. Special Operations School in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Western intelligence sources suspect he continues to support the Taliban today, and is active among a group of ex-ISI officers.
Earlier in 2010 Brig. Tarar broke silence giving rare interviews to local Pakistani, Western (New York Times) and Russian (Russian TV) media. The main cause of these interviews seem to be part of a Taliban attempt to deal with the new American strategy, that moves to convince the ‘people of Afghanistan’ to withdraw from the fight, lay down their arms and accept NATO’s terms. Part of this strategy was a U.S. offer to pay Taliban half a billion dollar to lay down their arms, an offer taken as a direct insult to the Afghan warfighters.
The military leaders are willing to negotiate with the U.S. over the current situation” Brig. Tarar said, but he immediately states that the Afghans will never be defeated. “This country has been the graveyard of empires.” Tarar opened, describing the Afghans as proud people, not scared to sacrifice their lives. “Afghanis take courage in defending their country and that’s what they are doing today” He said. When faced with overwhelming opponents, the Afghans just disappear in to the mountains, they were never subdued. In his interview in the Russian TV, Tarar complemented the Russians as a worthy enemy, much superior in ground battle to the current British, American and NATO troops. “The Spetznatz (Russian Special Forces) were formidable people.” Tarar said, “When they came on to the field the Afghans Mojahideens didn’t know how to handle them. For about six months the afghans were forced back, they could not carry out any actions because their fear of the Spetznatz. Ultimately, they revised their own techniques and all that and the Spetznatz were also reined in.”
Had the Americans not interfered after the Russian departure, things would have been totally different, Tarar complains, “America abandoned the Mojahideen, and supported the criminals against them – those Mujahideen who made America a superpower and this is where the problem occurred.” America has to give reassurance not to fight a war but helping with rehabilitation. A lot of damage has been done to this country. We need to extend a hand through Pakistan to these people.
Tarar highlights NATO’s main weakness in the fact that their people are not prepared to fight while the Taliban are prepared to die for their cause. “It is not the technology or money; it is the superior faith, the religious faith, the faith to defend one’s country, the stronger faith to defeat occupying forces, and a very superior faith to defend ones’ religion. This is a very strong thing – nobody can defeat them!”
As an experienced warfighter Tarar is realistic to admit that wars cannot be won by faith alone. “Apart from that (Taliban) they have a lot of experience, at present they have been at war for more than 30 years; a bulk of them – about 80% were born during the war. The terrain is most suited to defend the area, to defend the people, and this is what the Americans are facing. In their present surge, maybe they will kill more people, mostly civilian people, maybe some Talibans, but ultimately they will be finished.” Tarar is hopeful that negotiation between the right parties could lead to some kind of reconciliation. He is confident that the Taliban leader, Mula Omar is the one person the Americans should negotiate with, not hunt down.
Tarar is believed to have been the trainer of Mullah Omar and other Taliban factions back in his days with the Mojahideen. He has high appreciation to his former trainee: “Among all the (Afghan) leaders Mula Omar he is the most sensible man.” Tarar said, “That is why he is respected by the majority of the (Afghan) people. The (other) elder people have a lot of respect for them, they fought very well against the Soviets, but at this moment they have been negated, nobody has much of a following compared to Mula Omar Mujaheed… He is today the biggest leader, and highly respected, and people are with him. Surely he will listen to every negotiation attempt. But can Americans be trusted?” Asked Tarar, alluding to the recent proposal to ‘buy off’ Taliban for $500 million. “If they can carry out this bribe strategy it is a shameless conduct. This term will become part of a military strategy people will laugh at.” Tarar considers such offers an act of weakness “This will not work as people will see that their victory is coming.”
Brigadier Amir Sultan Tarar AKA 'Colonel Imam', a veteran Pakistan Army officer and Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) operative is widely believed to have played a key role in the formation of the Taliban.
What if Mula Omar is eliminated? Could such a loss shake the Taliban into a defeat? Tarar recommends talking, not shooting: “He is a man, if you do not talk to him how can you have success with dialog? You have to talk to the right person. If Mula Omar is not there, other people are there, they are going to come out. It is better that Mula Omar remains, otherwise there will be hell in this area. Tarar explains the unique belief that makes these leaders immortal in the hearts of their followers “The leadership has the soul of the holly prophet. Mula Mohammed who was martyred in ancient times, had the soul of Mula Umar, and people still respect him today. After they buried him they start fighting, at that time they were weak. Many people were killed – but they had a convincing and rightful cause, that kept their struggle. It is a credit to become a prisoner and to be killed is an honor.”
Tarar does not expect the current NATO offensive in Southern Afghanistan to be defeat the Taliban. “The Americans and NATO have enough bombs to kill everyone in Marja, they have been doing that for some time…but this will not defeat the Taliban… After a month or so, reinforcements will be coming from all over the world, Russians, Uzbeks and Tajiks, even without the approval of their governments or their families, they will come” Said Tarar. Tarar don’t think the Taliban or Mojahideen are capable of defeating the NATO forces as well. “They do not have the resources. The American soldier has the technology, but lack the faith – the sacrifice is not there, that’s why they can’t win the war. The Mojahideen have this superior factor, more superior than technology, but because of their other limitations – resources and finances, they cannot throw the Americans out of Afghanistan. But they can wear down the Americans, the way the Russians were worn down. It was then that Gorbachov gave orders to leave the area.” Tarar concludes. He explains that the Taliban knew to take advantage of the unique cultural background of Afghan people for their benefit “The vast majority of Afghans are not Taliban, but are tribal people that follow Pashtun culture that praise revenge. If somebody kills your men, you kill ten of his. Our religion (Islam) doesn’t say this. It says someone kills your men, you take revenge – you kill that man. These codes of action were quite effective when the Taliban took over the country and fought for domination against the oppositions. Religion, Pashtun culture and blood relations between each other unite many of the Afghans against outsiders.”
The Pincher micro-rocket system mounted on a miniature Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV). The weapon employs a miniature remotely operated launcher, equipped with a video camera and laser pointer, and miniature pyrophoric rockers capable of defeating IEDs in a non-violent method, fired from safe distance of several tens of meters. the system can be employed inndoors and outdoors. Photo: Rafael
A new robotic operated countermeasures designed to disable Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from long distance are in development in Israel at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. According to Ram Fabian, director of Rafael’s Land Warfare Systems, The micro-rocket system called ‘Pincher’ is currently in prototype phase, and could become operational next year. Pincher uses ‘pencil size’ rockets capable of destroying explosive charges from extended range. “The rocket causes the charge to burn, instead of explode (a process called ‘deflagration’), eliminating the risk of blast, shrapnel and debris.” Fabian told Defense Update.
The Pincher micro-rocket system mounted on a miniature Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV). The weapon employs a miniature remotely operated launcher, equipped with a video camera and laser pointer, and miniature pyrophoric rockers capable of defeating IEDs in a non-violent method, fired from safe distance of several tens of meters. the system can be employed inndoors and outdoors. Photo: Rafael
Rafael’s Pincher system comprises a miniature remotely operated multi-launcher system, which comes integral with a robotic platform, sensors, aiming devices, and remote control.
Pincher prototype demonstrated in outdoor operation. Photo: Rafaelan early kinematic test of a pyrophoric dart. Photo: Israel MOD Defense Research & Development Directorate - DRDD.
The eight inch (20 cm) long arrow-shaped rocket has a miniature rocket motor and stabilizing fins. Unlike kinetic projectiles fired from a gun, the arrow stores enough kinetic energy to fracture the outer envelope of the target, however, its unique pyrophoric material (an incendiary mixture comprising various metal powders such as titanium-boron-Teflon combinations), creates a thermal effect as it combusts in flames at very high temperature instantly as it penetrates the target, burning the explosive compound in a consuming it in a ‘non violent’ process, without causing an explosion.
Israel’s Ministry of Defense Research & Development Directorate has already tested representative miniature arrows for possible use on miniature unmanned ground vehicles. Such mini UGVs could be employed in ‘micro-tactical’ applications, used indoors to seek targets, locate and deactivate IEDs, clearing buildings while avoiding excessive risk to soldiers and innocent human lives.
Pincher can be employed on robots of all sizes, including mini-UGVs that can operate indoors. Photo: Rafael
Once an IED or hazardous object is detected, the robot will be sent to engage, controlled by the EOD expert from a safe distance. As it approaches the suspected target an arrow is pointed precisely at the target. Using a robotic remotely controlled launcher assembly and the weapon’s laser pointer, the pyrophoric arrow is fired from a maximum distance of several tens of meters, hitting precisely the target in the desired location. The Pyrophoric arrow self-ignite on target penetration, causing a non violent, quiet consumption of the energetic material, without risking collateral damage or blast.Operating from a safe distance, the robot itself is maintained intact and continue its mission. The system can be integrated on a dedicated, miniature robotic platform or as an an add-on upgrade for existing EOD robots.
Rafael has already fielded another stand-off counter-IED system, utilizing a high power laser, to heat an IED and cause deflagration. The system, known as Thor, was covered by Defense-Update in a previous article.
a schematic description of the Pincher pyrophoric
Similar techniques are suggested for use as small sub-munitions or warheads substituting kinetic flechettes munitions, creating incendiary or explosive effect over a wide area. According to the combinations of material used, pyrophoric charges could be used on land or underwater. Unlike the kinetic flechettes arrows used in direct fire area weapons, Rafael’s Pyrophoric arrows could also be used as precision weapons.
Soldier Technology 2010, now in its 9th consecutive year, is a unique forum for soldier modernization professionals from military, government and industry organizations. The event comprises three days of briefings, focus sessions and panel discussions with an exhibition where over 40 companies are highlighting soldier systems related equipment running alongside the conference. This unique event brings together leaders from 30 soldier modernization programs (SMPs) from around the world join to discuss the top issues for the forthcoming year.
The event includes two focus days, on May 18 and May 21, highlighting vehicle interoperability and soldier C4ISR featuring speakers from the UK, Italy, Slovenia and several Scandinavian armies (Norway, Denmark and Finland). Another discussion will also focus on the wearable, portable and vehicle-borne energy sources designed to support dismounted operations.
IDGA’s International Piracy Summit, taking place July 7 – 9, 2010 in Naples, Italy, presents innovative strategies for partnerships between public and private sectors, with the aim to improve the stability of maritime operations and safety. Volatile times require you to attend this groundbreaking event. You’ll return with a ready-to-use counter-piracy action plan that covers:
Development and procurement of cost-effective, alternative (non-lethal) weapons and solutions
Judicial, law enforcement and economic issues – the real root of piracy and the necessary actions to take in combating attacks
What industry needs to do in response to piracy
Capability requirements for surveillance and alternative defense technologies
Regional capacity building
Date: 7-9 July, 2010
Location: Naples, Italy
Network and discuss with first-rate international leaders including:
Admiral Mark P. Fitzgerald, USN, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples
Vice Admiral Maurizio Gemignani, ITA Navy, Commander, Allied Maritime Command Naples
Commodore Anthanasios Makris, HN, Commandant, NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center
Commodore Hans Chr. Helseth, RNoR, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, NATO MCC Northwood
Captain (CG) Henrik Warnhjelm, Commander, West Finland Coast Guard District
Captain James Staples, Master Mariner, US Merchant Marine
Captain Joseph Ahlstrom USMM, Professor, SUNY Maritime
Cyrus Mody, Manager, ICC International Maritime Bureau
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® and XTEND have achieved a major milestone in JADC2 by integrating the XOS operating system with the MDCX™ autonomy platform. This technical breakthrough enables a single operator to simultaneously command multiple drone classes, eliminating the friction of mission handoffs. From "marsupial" drone deployments to operating in GPS-denied environments, explore how this collaboration is abbreviating the data-to-decision timeline and redefining autonomous mission execution.
As traditional defense primes face mounting competition from agile “neoprimes” such as Anduril, Palantir and Helsing, the balance of innovation is shifting toward software-defined warfare and scalable, dual-use technologies, while global industry consolidation—marked by Boeing’s integration of Spirit AeroSystems and other strategic mergers—signals an intensified race to secure control over the defense technology value chain. Our Defense-Tech weekly report highlights these trends.
In early October 2025, a coordinated wave of unmanned aerial system (UAS) incursions—widely attributed to Russia—targeted critical infrastructure across at least ten European nations. The unprecedented campaign exposed the fragility of Europe’s air defenses...
Executive Summary
The past week (September 18-25, 2025) represents an inflection point where strategic defense concepts have transitioned from doctrine to tangible reality. An analysis of global events reveals four primary, interconnected trends shaping an...
At the 2025 Air, Space & Cyber Conference, U.S. Air Force and Space Force leaders unveiled major updates on next-generation fighters, bombers, unmanned systems, and space initiatives, highlighting both rapid innovation and critical readiness challenges as the services race to outpace global competitors. A short version is available here, with a more detailed version for subscribers.
The Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) 2025 crystallized around four dominant strategic themes that collectively illustrate Taiwan's comprehensive approach to defense modernization amid escalating regional tensions. Based on a detailed report by Pleronix (available upon request). Includes a Podcast discussion on TADTE 2025's highlighting Taiwan's four strategic themes beyond the post's coverage.
Israel’s Iron Beam 450 high-power laser system has completed final testing, marking a major leap in air defense. Developed by Rafael, it offers precise, cost-effective interception of rockets, UAVs, and mortars, and is set for IDF deployment by 2025.
