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    High-Energy Laser Weapon Tested on a German Navy Frigate

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    The HEL weapon demonstrator was then installed onboard the frigate Sachsen in Kiel. Photo: Rheinmetall.

    The German Armed Forces have recently fired a shipboard laser weapon against aerial targets. At the test the German frigate Sachsen successfully engaged drones at a short and very short range. The test took place in the Baltic Sea near Putlos Major Training Area on August 30th, 2022. The high energy laser (HEL) weapon demonstrator paves the way for future naval weapon systems defending ships against drones and drone swarms as well as engaging attacking speed boat swarms at close and very close range. The technology is scalable to deliver higher output power, enabling it to destroy guided missiles and mortar rounds.

    Testing of the high-energy laser weapon will continue until mid-2023. In subsequent test campaigns, new scenarios will challenge the demonstrator’s capabilities. The results will determine what still needs to be done on the path to a fully functional, operational laser weapon.

    The laser weapon demonstrator was developed by the German ‘High-Energy Laser Naval Demonstrator working committee’ (“ARGE”), consisting of MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH. The work was evenly divided between the two companies. MBDA Deutschland provided the target detection and tracking systems and the operator console and linked the laser weapon demonstrator to the command-and-control system. Rheinmetall was responsible for the high-energy laser source and peripheral systems – turret slewing and beam guidance delivered the demonstrator container and provided the mechanical and electrical integration of the demonstrator onto the deck of the Sachsen.

    The German frigate ‘Sachsen’ has successfully engaged drones at a short and very short range, using the High Power Laser (HEL) weapon demonstrator, seen in this picture on the vessel’s port side.

    The integration and test phase started in November 2021 and concluded successfully with a factory acceptance test at Rheinmetall’s Unterlüß proving ground. The demonstrator was then installed onboard the frigate Sachsen in Kiel. In July 2022 the first test campaign took place in Eckernförde Bay near the Bundeswehr’s Technical Centre for Ships and Naval Weapons, Marine Technology and Research, WTD 71, in Surendorf. These trials verified the system’s sensors capabilities including the electro-optical sensor suite from the ARGE and the radar. In addition, the interplay between all the components and procedures in the entire operational sequence from target acquisition to engagement was put to the test. This final phase provided the opportunity to test the entire system, including the HEL, in multiple highly realistic engagement scenarios.

    The high energy laser (HEL) weapon demonstrator paves the way for future naval weapon systems defending ships against drones and drone swarms as well as engaging attacking speed boat swarms at close and very close range.

    As part of a test campaign in October 2022, proof has now been provided that dynamic targets can be successfully combated under realistic conditions.

    “Due to its capabilities, a future system is particularly suitable for combating small and agile targets, such as drones or speedboats, at close and very close range. Defense against mortar shells and guided missiles is also conceivable,” says the responsible project manager at BAAINBw. “These tests lay the foundation for the possible development of an operational laser weapon system for the German Navy.”

    The laser weapon demonstrator was developed by the German ‘High-Energy Laser Naval Demonstrator working committee’ (“ARGE”), consisting of MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH. The work was evenly divided between the two companies. MBDA Deutschland provided the target detection and tracking systems and the operator console and linked the laser weapon demonstrator to the command-and-control system. Rheinmetall was responsible for the high-energy laser source and peripheral systems – turret slewing and beam guidance delivered the demonstrator container and provided the mechanical and electrical integration of the demonstrator onto the deck of the Sachsen.

    Hensoldt’s new Pointer to Improve Sensor-to-Shooter Engagement at Short Ranges

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    The Short-Range Pointer (SRP) combines several sensors to enable fast and intuitive target acquisition at ranges up to 5,000 m. Photo: Defense-Update
    The SRP combines INS, D-GNSS, stereoscopic viewer, and laser rangefinder to provide an accurate and intuitive target acquisition. Illustration: Hensoldt

    Facing modern asymmetric threats, naval forces are often called to respond to surprise attacks launched at close range, with minimum alert leaving a very short time to respond. Such threats range from small, fast boats to unmanned underwater vehicles and suicide drones. Hensoldt has developed a handheld Short-Range Pointer (SRP) device that couples to remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWS) on board to significantly reduce the ‘sensor to shooter’ cycle. Unlike mechanized pointing devices using complex optomechanical systems, the handheld SRP can be pointed wherever the user can point and track the target at any posture (standing, laying, or pointing straight up, at any elevation, or bearing. This capability makes it uniquely effective as part of drone-defense measures.

    The SRP uses a reflex sight similar to modern assault rifles to enable fast and intuitive target acquisition. Pulling the trigger, the SRP operator designates the target in his sight, sending instantaneously accurate target data – bearing, elevation and distance, to the RWS and Combat Management Center (CMS). Weighing less than 3 kg, the SRP features an accuracy of <1° bearing and elevation. The rangefinder can operate at distances up to 5,000 meters. The targeting information can automatically direct the weapon station to the designated target without the need to guide the weapon operator to the general target location. The weapon operator then pursues a precise engagement. Using SRP for situational awareness, the designations can point at potential targets and objects of interest without employing firepower.

    The SRP can be used on board the ship or on other vessels up to 8 nm from the mother ship hosting the SRP base unit. The SRP uses an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and Differential local Navigation Satellite System (D-GNSS), a stereoscopic viewer, and an eye-safe laser rangefinder (LRF). The device can add additional sensors, such as night vision, using a Picatinny rail mounted on the top. It is coupled to the RWS and CMS via an encrypted wireless link.

    The SRP LED data display shows target bearing, elevation, and range, and indicates the system’s status. Photo: Defense-Update

    Sea Spider to Protect Surface Vessels from Submarine’s Attacks

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    SEA SPIDER ON DISPLAY AT EURONAVAL 2022. Photo: Defense-Update

    Updated May 2023: The torpedo threat is increasingly diverse. Heavyweight torpedoes differ in their propulsion types, the type and configuration of their sensors, and their guidance capability. Torpedo propulsion has seen great advances in recent years, with new records in range and speeds even for the “stealthy” electrically propelled torpedo. In sensors, the wake-homing torpedo is increasingly proliferated and fully impervious to legacy “softkill” torpedo defense technology. Digital torpedo-homing sonars provide high performance and are resistant to decoys and jammers. Wire guidance provides the “man in the loop” the capability to enhance torpedo performance and utilize advanced tactics. The most modern torpedoes combine these and other advances into the most dangerous threat to ships today.

    Atlas Elektronik displayed the Sea Spider Anti-Torpedo Torpedo (ATT) at EuroNaval 2022. The system provides an effective, affordable hard-kill solution protecting surface ships against torpedo threats. Sea Spider actively seeks out attacking torpedoes to destroy the threat. Unlike decoy/jammer TD effectors, the operation of the ATT is independent of the attacking torpedoes’ mode of homing, guidance, or propulsion system. Sea Spider’s defensive capability detects wake-homing torpedoes and salvos, targeting each threat separately. Using a solid rocket propellant and maintaining low self-noise in the sonar frequencies, it is optimally suited for the anti-torpedo mission, including in shallow waters. The Sea Spider can be moving underwater at high speed to close in on the target rapidly.  The Sea Spider weighs 107 kg, and measures 1.94 m’ in length and 210mm in diameter.

    The Sea Spider system operates as part of an integrated torpedo defense system, offering rapid reaction time and effective close-in defensive capability. Using a high-frequency sonar is effective in deep or shallow littoral water and mitigates the impact of environmental effects that often degrade the performance of the torpedo detection capability.

    In recent years the Sea Spider system has gone through extensive testing. In 2019 Atlas Elektronik announced the successful series of sea trials in cooperation with the German Bundeswehr Technical Center for ships and naval weapons, maritime technology, and research (WTD 71). By mid-2023  the system has passed several critical tests moving toward qualification. Fielding is expected by the second half of the decade.

    The Sea Spider is launched under command from the torpedo defense system from surface-mounted launchers. Illustration: Atlas Elektronik

    These tests demonstrated the full “sensor to shooter” functional chain of a hardkill surface ship torpedo defense system with Torpedo Detection, Classification, and Localisation (TDCL), optimized for fast maneuvering targets. It is equipped with self-neutralization and safety measures, preventing risks to surface targets. The SeaSpider Anti-Torpedo-Torpedo (ATT) has successfully been demonstrated on a surface ship.

    In 2019 Atlas Elektronik Canada and Magellan Aerospace Corporation entered a design and development phase of the Sea Spider Anti Torpedo Torpedo (ATT) program. Under this cooperation, Magellan will lead the design and development of the torpedo’s underwater rocket motor and warhead sections. The initial CDN $19 million phase of the program was launched in January of that year and is expected to conclude in 2023.

    Surface launch of Sea Spider anti-Torpedo Torpedoes. Photo: Atlas Elektronik

    Israel Shipyards Unveil the New SAAR 80 Class Corvette

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    SAAR S80. Illustration: Israel Shipyards.

    Israel Shipyards today at the Euronaval 2022 exhibition a new variant of its SAAR class corvette line – the SAAR S-80. The new vessel is based on the company’s S-72 RESHEF Class corvette, which serves in the Israel Navy as a Light Patrol and advanced multi-role vessel. The S-80 improves on its predecessor by minimizing radar cross section (RCS), and allocating larger deck space for weapon systems. Depending on the operational requirements, the platform can be configured into Corvette or OPV versions. Israel Shipyards intends to make the new S80 its flagship vessel for the next decade, serving the needs of the Israeli and foreign navies.

    “The ship is designed for stealth, agility, and ruling the seas with cutting edge capabilities required in future combat scenarios.”, says Mr. Eitan Zucker, the company’s CEO “The S80 ship will enable navies to effectively protect their country’s sovereignty, maintain their economic waters, and win naval battles in times of war. The S80 has the
    endurance to operate in the open sea and control the littoral. All this with optimal cost-benefit ratio.”

    Compared to the S-72, the new generation of the S-80 class features greater versatility and higher payload capacity, with increased weapon suite capacity and a wider spread of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems as part of the platform offensive advantages. The ship is also capable of supporting special forces operations.

    The S80 measures 80m long and 11 m wide, with a displacement of 1,000 tons; she is powered by four diesel engines, driving two controllable pitch propellor systems through two shaft lines. With this propulsion system, the S80 develops a top speed exceeding 28 knots. The vessel can operate at 3,500 nm (at a speed of 12 Kt.)The vessel offers a state-of-the-art ship control system with advanced health management capability.

    S80 has a displacement of 1,000 tons. Traveling at a speed of 12 kt. it has an operating range of 3,500 nm. Illustration: Israel Shipyards

    UAVs to Deploy BAE Systems’ Depth Charges

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    BAE Systems is developing a depth charge to be deployed from UAVs. Photo: Defense-Update

    BAE Systems is developing a new type of depth charge designed for deployment from UAVs. This next-generation depth charge consists of a small metallic cylindrical container packing an explosive charge and a triggering mechanism that activates the blast at the designated depth. The explosion has a kill radius of 10 – 15 meters against divers and other soft targets (UUV, for example). The charges are contained in a small pod carried by unmanned aerial vehicles. They can be deployed in hover, or in horizontal flight motion, to achieve optimal coverage of the suspected target.

    With a capacity of six depth charges the system can be carried as part of a mission payload on rotary-wing UAS securing a naval vessel protection zone and defending against swimmers or divers. The use of UAVs extends the effect of depth charges well beyond the close range achieved by throwing grenades or launching depth charges from the vessel or offshore platform.

    The deployment of depth charges can be coordinated with input from diver alert systems or other underwater security systems that detect diver activity in the vicinity of the protected area.

    BAE Systems displayed the new weapon at the Euronaval 2022 exhibition held this week in France. The weapon is in an advanced development phase and has already attracted customer interest, for its ability to enhance counter-diver security in coastal and shallow waters.

    SHARK – A Smart Weapon Station for Light Boats

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    The SHARK remotely operated weapon station is optimized for operation on manned and unmanned assault boats and RHIB. Illustration: General Robotics

    Naval commandos rely on stealth and surprise to get close to the enemy, strike swiftly, and disengage. For these attributes, they rely on submersible vehicles or Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats – RHIB, small and fast boats, to bring them close to the target with the firepower they need. However, due to the size of these boats, naval commandos cannot use many of the sophisticated weapons employed on larger platforms. That is precisely where General Robotics’ new SHARK Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) comes into effect.

    SHARK addresses the need for SOF to operate their weapons on small boats. These compact boats move at high speed and agility. Yet, the constantly moving platform degrades fire accuracy with conventional weapon mounts, requiring operators to get dangerously close to the enemy to deliver the desired effects. Crews on larger boats often operate stabilized weapon stations to improve fire accuracy, but these systems are much larger and heavier for RHIBs. To meet this challenge, General Robotics has introduced the SHARK, a unique RCWS that applies to naval roles, from special operations to law enforcement interception, including interception, coastal security, counter-terror, and anti-piracy activities.

    “We designed SHARK to meet the specific requirements of naval commandos and SEALS,” Shahar Gal, General Robotics’ CEO, said. Addressing the most demanding needs of Naval Special Warfare (NSW), SHARK was designed and tested with users and experts from the local and international NSW community. SHARK fits on small manned and unmanned naval vessels, NSW boats, and raiding crafts to deliver versatile and accurate firepower. At a net weight of 85 kg (without weapons or ammunition), SHARK is much lighter and smaller than other naval weapon stations. Built as a rugged, robust, seaworthy system, it is versatile enough to operate remotely on a cluttered deck, scoring direct hits at a sea state up to 3, where the platform and targets constantly move.

    The new SHARK is based on General Robotics’ combat-proven Pitbull RCWS. “We developed the SHARK prototype as a robust yet lightweight system offering seamless remote operation by a single operator with some special adaptations for naval use and NSW concepts of operation,” Gal said, adding that the prototype was further refined based on feedback from our customers and partners following extensive field trials, further maturing SHARK for fielding.

    The SHARK is operated remotely via the remote control unit (RCU). Photo: General Robotics

    SHARK uses dual-axis electro-mechanical stabilization coupled with automatic tracking, video motion detection, and fire control for accurate weapon laying to deliver fast and precise firepower. This feature improves its capability to compensate for motions induced by the sea waves, platform, and target movements to engage moving targets.

    But that isn’t all. When the operator presses the trigger, the AI-driven fire control runs a target prediction algorithm to align the projectile’s path and the target’s expected location and points the weapon in that direction. Only then is a burst fired. This technique has demonstrated hit accuracy of about 70 percent. This unique capability enables SHARK to be used as a naval Counter-UAS weapon. The SHARK can be mounted in this role with an optional Anti-Drone Jammer used as a ‘soft kill’ C-UAS.

    Weapon control is done locally or remotely through an intuitive touch screen tablet encased in a jacket providing the intuitive operating and safety buttons for the “Point & Shoot” control. Another feature added to SHARK that benefits remote operators is the rear camera, providing the operator with a point of view to assess the weapon status and overcome malfunctions associated with the ammunition, weapon, or mount.

    The integration on USV poses additional challenges since the boat’s cluttered deck and constant movement add to a situational awareness complexity, restricting the sectors of fire the weapon can use. SHARK is built for platform-independent operation; it maintains an autonomous situational awareness that includes built-in Anti-Collision functions and multiple Fire Inhibiting Zones (FIZ) and is integrated with other systems onboard. Optional integration with onboard radar enables SHARK to detect and alert hostile fires aimed at the unmanned platform and take responding measures accordingly.

    The system’s size, weight, and power (SWaP) make SHARK particularly suitable for Naval Special Warfare (NSW) crafts, RHIB, and other manned or unmanned raiding crafts. It enables the crew to maximize the effect of small caliber weapons such as the 40mm automatic grenade launchers, 0.5″ heavy machine guns, and 7.62mm light machine guns.

    As a veteran of Israel’s navy, Gal is accustomed to the marine environment, a knowledge that shaped the system’s design optimization to increase operational flexibility, reduce the size and weight saving, and improve reliability. “At the bottom line, the reduced weight and size derive significant benefits,” said Gal, “It means SHARK can be mounted on smaller boats and handle the recoil loads with less weight and energy. As a result, SHARK consumes less power and delivers higher accelerations, resulting in better accuracy and agility. It can be used as a stand-alone system with its sensors or integrated with other sensors onboard. In this way, we offer tailor-made combat solutions to meet the unique requirements of our customers.”

    The reduced weight and size derive significant benefits. It means SHARK can be mounted on smaller boats and handle the recoil loads with less weight and energy. As a result, SHARK consumes less power and delivers higher accelerations, resulting in better accuracy and agility. Photo: General Robotics

    Thai Navy to Operate Hermes-900 on Maritime Surveillance and SaR Missions

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    Hermes 900. Photo: IAF Magazine

    Elbit Systems has received a contract valued at $120 million to supply Hermes 900 Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and training capabilities to the Royal Thai Navy. The contract will be performed over three years.

    Under the contract, the Israeli company will provide the Royal Thai Navy with the UAS systems comprising aerial vehicles configured for maritime surveillance, with maritime radar, Electro-Optic (EO) payload, satellite communication, droppable inflated life rafts, and other capabilities. The Hermes 900 Maritime UAS is intended to enable the Royal Thai Navy to perform both blue water and littoral missions, dominate vast swathes of sea and long coastlines, communicate with operational vessels, and carry out civilian missions such as maritime Search and Rescue (SaR) and identification of suspicious activities and potential hazards at sea.

    The Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol can operate in adverse weather conditions both day and night and can carry up to 4 life-rafts. Using its radar, it detects survivor situations. Then, its Electro-Optic/Infra-Red (EO/IR) payload will provide visual identification, and a calculation of the drop-point, to dispatch life rafts from a low-altitude of 600ft to a pin-pointed location at a safe distance from the survivors. The introduction of the unique lifesaving capability, along with survivor detection and identification capabilities and precision dispatch of live rafts enables it to perform long-range maritime SaR missions.

    Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol can carry up to four, six-person life-rafts that are integrated on its wings.
    On Maritime Patrol Hermes 900 can carry up to four, six-person life-rafts that are integrated on its wings. The drone can deliver the payload from a low-altitude of 600ft to a pin-pointed location at a safe distance from the survivors. A gradual inflation process of the life-rafts is initiated after dispatch and is completed upon landing.

    UAS of the Hermes family has been selected to date by more than 20 customers including Israel, the UK, Switzerland, Canada, the United Nations, the European Union, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. “This is yet another vote of confidence in the Hermes family of UAS. We are experiencing a growing global demand for our unmanned solutions that are capable of effective integration with operational activities of manned forces across domains of operation, addressing a wide range of evolving threats.” Yoram Shmuely, General Manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace, said.

    IDF Fields Thousands of Interactive Information Devices Assisting Dismounted Leaders

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    IDF Acquires thousands PDA devices with Asio's C3I Orion applications to enhance planning, communications and battle management for dismounted team leaders.

    Israel Defense Forces have received thousands of ORION Systems from Asio Technologies, providing smartphone-based hand-held interactive information devices for junior officers and team leaders. The ‘Olar’ and ‘Amud’ systems, as the IDF calls them, is designed as rugged and secured mobile device based on the Android platform. The system enables mission planning, navigation, positioning, and enhanced situational awareness using a three dimensional GIS database and Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities.

    The system provides a scalable, multilayered, networked situational awareness solution with an intuitive and interactive interface. It operates online and offline, serving the individual soldier or commander up to the battalion level, allowing them to get real-time updates from each other, exchange regarding locations of friendly forces, handoff hostile locations, and additional mission-critical information.

    Performing functions similar to the US Army Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), the Orion system communicates and interfaces with other ASIO Technologies tactical solutions, such as the LYNX tactical hand-held day/night situation awareness system and RIGEL tactical smartwatch, to provide a fully integrated tactical combat suit for ground forces.

    Using the Android platform, ORION enables mission planning, navigation, positioning, and enhanced situational awareness using the GIS database and Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities. Photo: Asio Technologies

    Israel’s Rafael Acquires British Land Systems’ Specialist Pearson Engineering

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    Executive teams from Pearson-Engineering and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have met at the recent DVD2022 event to advance the acquisition sealed today. Photo: Pearson Engineering

    Israel’s defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. has completed the acquisition of the British defense specialist company Pearson Engineering Ltd. The acquisition was executed under a stock purchase agreement (SPA), transferring 100% of the ownership. The acquisition includes Pearson’s metalworks subsidiary company Responsive Engineering Ltd.

    According to M.G (ret.) Yoav Har-Even, RAFAEL’S President and CEO, this acquisition is part of RAFAEL’s continued strategic investments to transfer cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technologies, products, and systems into the United Kingdom, addressing UK national security and economic interests. “Until recently, most of RAFAEL’s operations in the UK were in partnership with UK prime contractors, with the majority of workshare manufactured in Israel,” Har-Even said. “By acquiring Pearson and Responsive Engineering we will be able to enhance and expand manufacturing capabilities in the UK, thus strengthening our UK supply chain to better support our customers, especially the UK MOD and British armed forces. This will lead to a significant increase in the number of jobs in Newcastle and will build strong links with academic institutions throughout the UK and specifically in North East England.” Har-Even said.

    “RAFAEL’s ambition for Pearson and Responsive brings valuable growth and stability for our employees, our trusted supply partners in the region, and the wider community in the North East. It will undoubtedly create more jobs and generate exciting career opportunities within both companies”, Craig Priday, Pearson Engineering Managing Director added.

    [wlm_nonmember]Subscribe to read the background analysis of this acquisition[/wlm_nonmember]

    [wlm_ismember]According to Dr. Ran Gozali, EVP, GM Land and Naval Division for RAFAEL, The UK MOD Challenger 3 program already reflects a point of synergy for the team. Pearson and Responsive are manufacturing the tank’s turret structures and, supported by RAFAEL, Pearson will be able to locally manufacture and integrate the TROPHY active protection system, providing the highest level of protection to the crew.” Both companies have been working with prime contractor RBSL on the £800m program to upgrade 148 Challenger Main Battle Tanks (MBT) into the Mk3 standard by 2027. In March 2022 RBSL awarded a circa £25 million supplier contract to Pearson Engineering to fabricate the turret structures for the British Army’s Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank. Rafael’s TROPHY system will be integrated into the turret of this tank.

    The synergy between the companies can grow further with Pearson’s extensive battlefield mobility support capabilities, especially with NATO armies addressing assault battlefield shaping, gap crossing, obstacle, and minefield breaching capabilities as part of expanding NATO’s land forces warfighting capabilities implementing lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.[/wlm_ismember]

    RAFAEL is a world-renowned, Israeli-based defense contractor specializing in cutting-edge, innovative defense systems. Spanning many areas of defense, Rafael’s land systems activities include the development and production of ballistic and active protection systems, development, design, production, and integration of turrets for armored vehicles, counter IEDs, missiles, and more. Rafael is Israel’s third largest defense company, with 8,000+ employees and over 30 subsidiaries worldwide, serving the defense, security, and aerospace markets. As a global organization, Rafael has bolstered its presence in its main markets including the US, India, South Korea, and most European NATO member countries. The acquisition will expand its presence in the UK, where RAFAEL already has significant projects underway. Pearson Engineering will be joining the RAFAEL UK group. The move received approval from the UK Ministry of Defence and the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

    Yemeni Houthis Display Iranian Drones and Loitering Missiles

    By
    D. Zeevi
    -

    New ballistic, cruise and loitering missiles were shown by the Houthis in the recent military parade in Sanaa, Yemen. We reviewed the new cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and naval attack weapons in three recent posts. Parallel to the development of ballistic missiles, Iran is pursuing various types of aerial weapons based on unmanned aerial systems technologies.

    Shahed 131 and 136 are two models that have recently captured media attention. Still, these simple and rudimentary delta-winged ‘flying bombs’ are only one type of a wide family of loitering weapons that Iran has used to hit targets far beyond its borders, dating back to the attack on Saudi oil fields in 2019.

    Among many types of loitering missiles and attack drones displayed was the local version of the Iranian Shahed 136 – the Wa’id, new models of Samad and Qhasef, loitering missiles, Rased weaponized mini-drones, VTOL variant of Mersad-2, and the Masir hexacopter weaponized drone that was also demonstrated in formation flight.

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    Wa’id, the Houthi version of Iran’s Shahed 136 drone missile.

    As a simple weapon that requires minimal know-how and components for assembly, Shahed 136 is rapidly becoming a popular export item. Among the first customers are The Houthis in Yemen, designated Wa’id, Russia (where it is called Geran-1). Tajikistan is also planning to assemble Iranian strike drones.

    These missiles employ simple but effective techniques to perform such long-range missions. Using a Rocket Assisted Take Off (RATO) and powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) and flown by an autopilot using a commercial global satellite navigation system (GNSS) and inertial measurement systems, these drones fly a preprogrammed path to hit a target as far as 1000 km (some sources indicate up to 2,500 km, but these ranges haven’t been verified). Unlike the Israeli Harop, Shahid 136 doesn’t have a payload for target identification and terminal homing, as it relies only on GNSS for the target data and does not require an active control channel to control the drone. This makes this weapon relatively immune to electronic attack, yet it is vulnerable to GPS spoofing. Such countermeasures may divert the missile from its intended target but wouldn’t prevent it from hitting other targets in an urban area.

    Samad-1 guided missile drone. Note the RATO launch tube below each drone.
    Qasef-2 loitering weapons equipped with camera and remote control.

    Apart from the Wa’id, the Houthis displayed other propeller-driven missiles, including models having integrated electro-optical guidance. Among these is the Qasef 2, an electrically powered drone having a cruciform tail and overhead wing, using a built-in camera and two-way radio control for observation, targeting, and attack. A slightly larger version of the attack UAV is Samad, which comes in a V-tail configuration. Samad also uses RATO and ICE propulsion and, with a larger platform and larger wingspan provides much longer endurance, range, and payload weight. It comes with a GNSS-only guided variant or GNSS plus EO version providing higher precision and the possibility to pursue moving targets on land and at sea.

    Samad-2 loitering weapon uses ICE for long endurance and a camera for reconnaissance and terminal targeting.

    Target acquisition can be provided to the loitering weapon’s controllers using the Mersad-2 vertical takeoff and landing drones. These drones are based on reverse engineering the American Scan Eagle drones the Iranians captured several years ago. The fuselage bears some lineage to the Scan Eagle, but the wings are not swept as the American design. The drone uses an ICE as the main propulsion. Adding four electrical motors on the tail booms provide VTOL capability and enables the drone to deploy from unprepared sites.

    Mersad-2 VTOL recce drone
    Qasef-2K loitering missile is the Houthi version of the Iranian Ababil-2. These weapons carry a warhead weighing about 50 kg and have a range of 150-200 km; used in attacks against Saudi Arabia. These attack drones were also transferred to Hezbollah (named Mirsad-1) in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
    The Rased is an electrically powered miniature rail-launched remotely controlled drone that has a built-in chin-mounted camera. These pictures show they can carry a small bomb, which is dropped by remote control.
    Masir is a six-rotor drone equipped with a payload carrying assembly that can carry multiple bombs. Various payloads are seen on this parade display.

    The Houthis have also displayed the Al-Masir Hexarotor multirotor drone. This aerial vehicle is geared to carry different payloads, including various mortar bombs and grenades that can be selectively dropped upon command by the operator. During the parade in Sanaa, five Al- Masir drones performed formation flights over the crowd, with the drones carrying what looked like bombs or dummy bombs. Three of those drones flew in a close formation, demonstrating what could be an automated formation control (swarm?).

    a formation flight of five Masir drones, the upper photo shows a close formation of three drones, and the lower shows a dynamic formation change in flight.

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    Related posts in this report:

    New Ballistic Missiles Displayed at the Houthi Military Parade

    By
    D. Zeevi
    -
    The Houthi Yemeni Hatem missile is believed to be a derivative of the Iranian Kheibar Shekan missile

    New ballistic, cruise and loitering missiles were shown by the Houthis in the recent military parade in Sanaa, Yemen. Among the new missiles were several types of precision-guided ballistic missiles, capable of attack at ranges from 300 to 1,400 km, carrying warheads weighing up to half a ton. All missiles are believed to be Iranian designed, they were likely delivered to Yemen as pre-assembled or knocked down kits.

    [wlm_nonmember]

    These new ballistic missiles were displayed by the Houthis in the military parade in Sanaa, Yemen. Among the new ballistic missiles were Hatem, Falaq, and Karar. All are believed to be variants of Iranian missiles.

    Subscribe to read the full version[/wlm_nonmember]

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    Like the Iranian Kheibar Shekan missile, the new Hatem uses solid propulsion and has four large aerodynamic fins for trajectory correction, turning this large missile into a precision strike weapon.

    Hatem – A new missile blending several design features from Russian and Iranian missiles; this missile bears many similarities to the Iranian Kheibar Shekan, which was introduced by Iran in 2022. Like the Iranian missile, Hatem uses solid propulsion and has four large aerodynamic fins for trajectory correction, turning this large missile into a precision strike weapon. At an initial gross weight of 4500 kg, Kheibar Shekan carried half a ton of payload to 1,450 km. The warhead is carried in a maneuverable reentry vehicle that separates from the missile’s body upon reentry, thus avoiding conventional missile defense systems. The missile is 10.5 meters long, and its diameter is 800 mm.

    long-range ballistic missile using liquid propulsion likely based on Iran’s Qiam-1 missile.

    FALAQ – long-range ballistic missile using liquid propulsion likely based on Iran’s Qiam-1 missile. Falaq seems to be a Burkan 2H derivative of the operationally proven Burkhan-H, which is also based on the Iranian Qiam-1 missile. Burkhan H has been used by the Houthis in recent years on attacks against Saudi Arabia. Qiam-1 missiles were also used by Iran in their attack on the Ain Assad airbase in Iraq, following the killing of Kassem Suleimani by the US forces in 2019. Qiam 1 has a range of 800 km. According to missile expert Tal Inbar, one of the distinctive changes in Falaq. Unlike the Irani Qiam-1, Falaq has small rectangular fins at the base and what looks like two retro-rockets designed to separate the reentry vehicle carrying the warhead from the missile’s body.

    Unlike the Irani Qiam-1, Falaq has small rectangular fins at the base and what looks like two retro-rockets designed to separate the reentry vehicle carrying the warhead from the missile’s body.

    According to CSIS MissileThreat report, Qiam-1 is distinguished from other Scud variants by its lack of tail fins, instead using a thrust vector control system to stabilize the missile. The missile also uses a separable warhead and ground-based radio guidance system, improving its accuracy over prior Scud-based designs. In addition to improving accuracy, the reentry vehicle’s configuration could reduce the radar signature, potentially increasing its survivability against missile defenses.

    separable warhead and ground-based radio guidance system, improving its accuracy over prior Scud-based designs. In addition to improving accuracy, the reentry vehicle’s configuration could reduce the radar signature, potentially increasing its survivability against missile defenses.

    Karar is likely a derivative of the Iranian Zolfaghar missile. It uses a solid rocket to reach up to 700 km range, carrying a warhead weighing 400 – 650, according to the missile’s configuration. The Houthis claim a slightly shorter range (500 km), which corresponds with a heavier warhead. The Iranian missile is described as a precision strike weapon, delivering a warhead weighing half a ton within 10-30 meters from the designated location.

    A similar weapon is designed for anti-ship missions, probably derived from the Iranian Zolfaghar Basir. This variant delivers a warhead weight of 550 kg to attack ships at sea at ranges of up to 400 km range. Terminal homing is based on radar or infrared seeker.[/wlm_ismember]

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    Karar is likely a derivative of the Iranian Zolfaghar missile.

    Houthis a New Cruise Missile, Quds-3

    By
    Tamir Eshel
    -
    Quds-3 cruise missile on display at the Houthi parade in Sanaa, Yemen.

    New ballistic, cruise and loitering missiles were shown by the Houthis in the recent military parade in Sanaa, Yemen. Among the new missiles on display was the Quds-3 cruise missile, believed to be a new, longer-range variant of the Iranian Soumar cruise missile.

    Quds 3 – a new cruise missile. Like its two predecessors (Quds 1 and 2), Quds-3 is powered by a small turbojet engine, yet it is larger and capable of flying over a longer range. Quds cruise missiles are programmed to fly at a low level and have demonstrated effective radar avoidance capability. They are designed to perform precision attacks on a pre-programmed location based on the target coordinates. The missile achieves an initial velocity using a solid propellant booster which is separated once the missile achieves its cruising velocity.

    According to the Iranwatch.org missile report, Quds-1 has a range of 800 km. The second-generation Quds-2, which corresponds with the Iranian Soumar (also known as Hoveyzeh) missiles, has a range of 1,350 km. The range of Quds 3 was not mentioned by the Houthis but is believed to be longer than Quds 2, as the missile diameter is larger, thus capable of carrying a larger fuel tank and warhead. These missiles are based on an Iranian derived from Soviet-era air-launched Kh55 cruise missiles acquired from Ukraine in the late 1990s. The range of Quds-1 is assumed to be 700 km, with Quds-3 achieving three times that range.

    Quds-2 cruise missile, likely the Iranian Soumar, has a range of 1,350 km.
    Quds-1 was the first cruise missile deployed by the Houthis. It has a range of 800 km.

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    Houthi’s New Naval Weapons Extend Their Reach 200 nm into the Gulf of Aden

    By
    D. Zeevi
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    Aasif - long range anti-ship ballistic missile introduced by the Houthis in Yemen.

    Last week (21 September 2022), the Houthis of Yemen demonstrated an unprecedented military might in the largest military parade commemorating the 9th anniversary of their takeover of Sanaa, Yemen’s capital. This parade culminates in a series of parades performed on a smaller scale in other cities, the most recently held on 1 September 2022 in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida.

    Over 10,000 troops took part in each of these parades; the parade in Sanaa was even bigger, with an estimated number of 15,000 troops, hundreds of military vehicles, and spoils of war from the recent battles with Saudi and UAE participating. The Iranian-backed Houthi regime used these parades to deliver a clear message to the region and the world – through the recent years of hostilities with the Saudi and UAE-led forces, they have mustered a significant offensive force, with tens of thousands of troops and powerful weapons that are dominating the region, on land and sea. Hostilities ceased on 2 April 2022 as an UN-brokered two-month ceasefire entered into effect. It was extended two times since, until 2 October 2022. The recent parades seem to be a statement towards the conclusion of negotiations on the further extension of this ceasefire and part of Iran’s power play in the region.

    Naval capabilities were shown in the recent parades highlighting fast attack boats, electronic attack boats, sea mines, and remotely controlled ‘suicide boats’, carrying 150 – 500 kg of explosives to their targets. Most recently, anti-ship ballistic missiles were introduced, designed to hit ships at sea at ranges of 200 nm and beyond, with a warhead weighing 100 – 400 kg.

    Toufan 3 is a remotely controlled suicide boat capable of carrying 500 kg of high explosives to ships at sea.

    [wlm_nonmember]

    Some of the new naval missiles and weapons recently displayed by the Houthis in Yemen at parades in Hodeidah and Sanaa.

    Subscribe to read the full report[/wlm_nonmember]

    [wlm_ismember]

    Asef-2 is a electronic reconnaissance and attack fast boat designed to disrupt naval vessels under attack, thus concealing a single attack boat of a swarm approaching the target.
    MDM-1 Russian-made sea bottom mines shown by the Houthis in Yemen.

    Yemen has traditionally been equipped with legacy anti-ship missiles used in coastal defense. These included the two types of the Russian SS-2 Rubeij (Styx) inherited from the Yemeni army defeated in 2014. The original missile was fitted with thermal seekers, carrying a warhead of 500 kg. The Mandeb 1 and 2 are copies of Iran’s Chinese radar-guided S-801/802 missiles. They provide the Houthis with a more agile coastal defense weapon yet at a shorter range.

    Aasif is a 10-meter long,700 mm wide missile. It uses a solid rocket to carry a 550 kg warhead to a distance of 215 nm

    Yemen has recently fielded a new class of weapons obtained by the Houthi’s precision-guided ballistic missiles that seem to be derivatives of the Iranian Halij Fars missile (itself a derivative of the surface/surface Fateh 110). Yemen displayed three versions of these new missiles. The short-range Red Sea and Aasef are ballistic missiles with infrared seekers for target acquisition and terminal homing. The Red Sea medium-range missile can carry an electro-optical thermal or RF seeker optimized against naval targets. Aasif is the larger, more potent of the two. A 10-meter length and 700 mm in diameter, the missile uses a solid rocket to carry a 550 kg warhead to a distance of 215 nm, using an autonomous guidance system and terminal homing to hit targets at sea with high precision. Both are designed for operation as coastal defense weapons.

    The Saeer tactical surface/surface missile provided the basis for the ‘Red Sea’ medium-range anti-ship ballistic missile.
    The Red-Sea tactical anti-ship ballistic missile uses the Saeer missile platform fitted with a new seeker targeting naval vessels.

    Another missile converted to naval attack is the Moheet, a derivative of the Russian V750 (SA-2 surface-to-air missile). It is also designed for medium range, using a solid propelled boost phase and liquid rocket sustainer. Moheet is fitted with a thermal seeker for terminal guidance and mid-course navigation. It is described as capable of operations under all weather conditions.

    Moheet is a modification of the Russian V750 missile, introducing an IR seeker in its nose.
    A close-up of the Moheet’s nose depicts the window of the IR seeker.

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    With these new weapons, Iranian-supported Houthis pose an exponentially growing threat to maritime traffic in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, far beyond the choke point of Bab-El Mandeb straits they already dominate. It seems they seek three classes of warheads – light (<100kg), Medium (>100 kg ), and Heavy (400-550 kg) required to defeat different classes of vessels. These warhead sizes were first employed with remotely controlled suicide boats and sea mines. The Iranians and Houthis have gradually extended the range of their weapons from tens to a few hundred nautical miles. Rather than employing these weapons on board ships to extend range, they can now reach beyond 200 nm, using the new ballistic anti-ship missiles, practically blocking the movements of naval vessels well beyond Yemen’s coastal waters.

    Related post in this report:

    Orbiter 4 (NITZOZ) UAS to Enter IAF Service

    By
    Tamir Eshel
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    IAF No. 144 Phoenix squadron received a new emblem upon its recommissioning. Image: IAF

    Israel’s Air & Space Force (IAF) has recently reactivated the 144th squadron at Hatzor air force base, a new unit destined to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) under a new multi-domain force sharing IAF, ground, and intelligence forces assets. Although the squadron is located at an airbase, it will move with the ground and air-mobile forces and operate its Orbiter 4 drones from forward, unprepared locations, independently of airfields. Aeronautics’ Orbiter 4 STUAS is designated ‘Nitzoz’ – Spark in Hebrew. This aerial platform provides operators with unique operational flexibilities – the ability to deploy runway-independent UAS using rail launchers or Vertical TakeOff and Landing (VTOL) deployment, with a minimal logistical footprint. Such drones enable full mission autonomy through 24-hour operation, using multiple payload carriage capabilities.

    Orbiter 4 is now provided with an electrically powered optional VTOL kit, enabling units to launch the drone from any flat surface without requiring a launcher or landing aids. Photo: Defense-Update

    Nitzoz will provide the aerial layer of Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) ‘Storm Clouds’ program. This ambitious “system of systems” is part of the comprehensive automation of wide-area surveillance, target acquisition, and automated intelligence processing, empowering small forces.

    [wlm_nonmember]Subscribe to read more about the ‘Storm Clouds’ program.[/wlm_nonmember]

    [wlm_ismember]In recent months RAFAEL and Aeronautics has unveiled several capabilities that, potentially, could be associated with such programs:

    The Microlight WAPS sensor. Photo: Defense-Update

    A unique Wide Area Persistent Surveillance (WAPS) payload developed by Rafael for the Orbiter-4 is key to the ‘Storm Cloud’ mission success. This payload is a unique wide-area persistent surveillance payload enabling STUAS to perform such demanding missions. On a typical mission, the Orbiter 4 with Microlite flies a few thousand feet above the ground, capturing a wide area with ultra-high resolution full-motion video. Throughout the mission, the drone serves as a surveillance hub on the cloud, providing users with high-resolution video and imagery of the areas of interest they find relevant to their mission. The ability to hold a wide area of open or urban terrain, tracking every object and movement in that area, provides effective real-time surveillance and unique intelligence insights through forensic analysis, back-tracking certain events to their origin. Rafael demonstrated the integration of Microlite within a wide-area surveillance system for the first time at the Modern-Day Marine 2022 expo.

    The Microlight sensor display depicts the multi-megapixel wide-area image overview with a number of ‘insights’ provided to the users, focused on special events of interest. Photo: Defense-Update

    Having ‘Storm Clouds’ connected to battle management and weapon systems enables these advanced sensors and data processing systems to become part of a ‘sensor-to-shooter’ system that can exploit the information gained by the sensors. Rafael’s ‘Fire Weaver’ is a system that connects sensors and shooters within battalion-size tactical formations. Rafael has recently introduced a complete sensor-to-shooter system called ‘Spike NMT’ that integrates the Microlite WAPS sensors flown on Orbiter-4 drones, BNET software-defined radio network integrating the Fire Weaver battle management system. The system is based on Spike NLOS 6 missiles, mounted on light 4×4 armored vehicles, capable of engaging targets over 40 – 50 kilometers. However, the integration of Fire Weaver will enable the battlegroup to operate any weapon within range of the target that is allocated to it. These can include precision-guided rockets, artillery, loitering weapons, or other assets. Rafael introduced Spike NMT at the Eurosatory 2022 exhibition.

    Rafael is offering the SPIKE NLOS EO guided missile as part of the networked NMT system. Photo: RAFAEL

    [/wlm_ismember]


    Another new capability unveiled by Aeronautics at the Eurosatory 2022 exhibition is the Trojan Unmanned Hover Plane (UHP), a VTOL aerial system that bridges the gap between hovering, utilizing rotary wing and high-efficiency, high-speed flight, using fixed-wing aerodynamic design. With a wingspan of 4.2 m’, and a gross takeoff weight of 45 Kg, Trojan can carry multiple payloads of up to 12 kg. The UHP uses both, enabling this flying machine to introduce game-changing capabilities for battlespace dominance by providing Wide-Area-Persistent-Surveillance (WAPS) in versatile and dynamic environments.

    Leveraging the ability to perform aerial missions with pinpoint accuracy at long ranges, Trojan enables new capabilities in aerial reconnaissance, surveillance, and target pursuit over wide areas and long ranges. With battery power sustaining 2.5 hours of flight time and 150 km. With a low acoustic signature, Trojan uses terrain following to penetrate deep into the enemy area covertly, day, or night, to autonomously land, perch, and stare over an area of interest. Using the built-in solar array embedded in the wing, it recharges its batteries in daylight. The platform uses several communications links, using encrypted datalinks over Line of Sight (LOS) using Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) or cellular (LTE) connectivity.

    The Trojan is powered with four rotors – for vertical takeoff, landing and hovering flight, and a pusher propeller for forward flight. Photo: Defense-Update

    Designed with an open architecture, Trojan can accommodate multiple sensors similar in weight and size to those operated by Orbiter 4. Integral sensors and powerful image processing perform terrain following flight, AI-driven image analysis and targeting, hemispheric situational awareness (for self-defense while in perch position), 3D mapping to support autonomous landing, and automatic takeoff. The Trojan is controlled by a single operator from a remote base station that performs mission planning, monitoring, and payload control. The UHP can operate autonomously throughout the mission, and each unit can network with three additional platforms to operate as a swarm.

    IAF 144th Squadron was established in 1972 as a fighter squadron flying the IAI Nesher fighter aircraft, a version of the Israeli-produced Dassault Mirage 5. The squadron participated in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. In 1977 the squadron received the first IAI Kfir fighter planes, and in 1981 moved to the new airbase in Ovda. The squadron later moved to Hatzor, where it operated the F-16s. In 2005 the squadron was deactivated and was reactivated on 1st August as the first Spark UAS squadron.

    The payload mount is similar to that used on Orbiter 4, enabling the two platforms share mission payloads. This picture also displays the miniature, secondary flight camera, that enables the drone replace the main payload with a non-imaging sensor or other payloads. Photo: Defense-Update
    The Trojan UHP was unveiled by Aeronautics at Eurosatory 2022. Photo: Defense-Update
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