I'm sure everyone reading this are already aware of the funky Stridsvagn 2000 and its 40mm cannon mounted alongside the widely tested (at the time - prior to the breakup of the Soviet Union) 140mm gun, or the two T-72M2 Moderna prototypes fitted with either two 20mm guns (one on either side) or a single 30mm gun on one side.
None of these has actually made it into operational service, and so the largest coaxial secondary armament on MBTs remained the 12.7mm.
T-72M2 Moderna prototype with 2 mounts of 20mm cannons.
It made a lot of sense to stick to only MMGs or HMGs at best. These were possible to pack with a large quantity of ammunition, and were often more than enough for the anti-infantry or anti-material role they took.
Additionally, since the only two schools of tank design were roughly:
Soviet approach - Use every inch of space to make the tank as small as possible.
Western approach - Use a human loader (with the exception of Leclerc and K2) and assign certain free space for crew comfort only.
Neither could really allocate the space necessary to mount an autocannon that would be both far larger in itself and would take several times the space that ammunition took.
In some cases, even 12.7mm machine guns were deemed too space-hungry.
But now there are a few factors that could both necessitate the use of an autocannon, and alleviate some of the issues around its implementation:
By 2021 at least 2 serially produced MBTs should become operational with an APS capable of defeating large caliber KE munitions - The Merkava 4 Barak and T-14.
The T-14 is the reference threat for NATO countries in MBT development.
Kill on first round is still the go-to approach in weapon design.
No APS, operational or conceptual, is able to defeat medium caliber munitions fired in bursts.
2-man crews will substantially increase the amount of total usable space.
Unmanned turrets will similarly increase the amount of turret-specific usable space.
With a decrease in weight of tanks and increase in their physical protection, as well as the approach to a boundary to which conventional 120mm guns and munition can be upgraded, increased gun diameters such as the Rheinmetall 130mm may have a real chance at becoming operational. Such guns will inevitably have a lower ammo capacity. An autocannon will both deal with softer, less important targets, and will serve as an APS neutralizer.
Strv 2000 had only 29 main gun shells, and so the use of an autocannon to deal with some soft targets became a necessity.
As you may have guessed, my opinion that autocannons for MBTs should be re-evaluated, arises from the advancements in APS technologies and the need of a certain weapon to be an APS-neutralizer.
Damage caused by two 35mm KETF projectiles, visible all over the turret.
Right now is an amazing opportunity to start thinking about adding autocannons to MBTs.
The new generation of MBTs should start materializing around 2027 to mid 2030's. By that time, there could be well over 1,000 MBTs or AFVs globally with an anti-KE APS in service (300 Merkava tanks plus several hundred Namer and Eitan if they also get a new APS, plus an unknown number of T-14 and T-15 vehicles) even if we don't take into account western developments that are likely to move to anti-KE APS at some point during that time.
Through 20.9.18 til 3.10.18, the IDF will be throwing an exhibition for domestic purposes that will be open to the wide crowd, not to be confused with international defense exhibitions with orientation on striking defense deals.
In one of the videos the IDF prepared for the exhibition, it has showcased a mobile distributed mission control center. At some point in the video, it also showed artillery units. Except this time instead of the good ol' M109 'Doher' howitzers, those are Elbit's new howitzers, which consist of a turret that was showcased, and a HEMTT truck.
It is already known that the first batch of 100 howitzers will be wheeled (and that the next one may be tracked), and it is also known that the howitzer will utilize a common combat module in the form of an enclosed turret, that is platform-agnostic.
What we did not know yet is what platform it will utilize.
Of course, last year there was some glimpse into an Elbit presentation that included what seemed to be a turret mounted on a HEMTT, but the general notion was that it was just some idea they toyed around with.
At the time of announcement of Elbit's victory.
Apparently now it's much closer to being a hard fact.
The turret itself was shown to the public a while back as well, so we should know now how the whole system will look like.
IMI has released a marketing video of their Iron Fist APS, just as it is gaining some traction abroad, especially in the US and Australia, and as the IDF is progressing in its Barack MBT project.
Iron Fist has been made in numerous derivatives. One is the Iron Fist MBT, previously known simply as Iron Fist when it had no derivatives, which features a full spectrum defeat capability.
It is capable of defeating not only ATGMs and rockets but also kinetic energy penetrators.
Derivatives include the Bright Arrow which combined a remote controlled machine gun station with the launchers, which wasn't very successful, and the Iron Fist Light Configuration which is the only variant that garners serious interest so far outside Israel. It offers lighter interceptors incapable of intercepting kinetic energy projectiles that in return are safer to use, and requires lower power consumption, and takes less weight and volume.
It seems the Iron Fist MBT test was on a Namer APC (APS was mounted on the hull, not turret), from what appears to be a much larger launcher than typical.
The original video here:
IMI do have Namers to test various weapons and technologies they're developing, but they have already used the Sabra in the past for the Iron Fist, in the MBT version.
We should also keep in mind that IMI lost the IDF's competition to supply APS to the Merkava and later the Namer and subsequent vehicles like the Eitan or others' derivatives.
My take on this, is that this is a prototype of what the next generation of Trophy. It was said back in 2014 that IMI and Rafael are cooperating on an APS, and then things didn't work out and the project was cancelled. But now that the Merkava 4 Barack is in development, the project was revived, perhaps with a new concept, and according to press releases it should utilize the Iron Fist's interceptor's and Trophy's architecture.
A limiting factor of the Iron Fist that lost the competition in 2006 was its lack of munitions. Coming in with 4 interceptors per vehicle, versus Trophy's 6, it failed to meet a key IDF requirement for 6 munitions, as it had to sacrifice 2 interceptors for the sake of slewing rate that was necessary to engage very fast APFSDS rounds.
With a bulkier system, but one featuring an autoloading system, the Iron Fist could become more competitive.
Recently the IDF explained its plans for the creation of BCTs (Brigade Combat Teams) more thoroughly, and specified the ORBAT (Order of Battle) plus new tasks for each component of the brigade.
One of the main changes of tasks was to the recon battalion, so I want to touch on that this time. I will quote the relevant part here:
Other than the new brigade structure, the battalions themselves have also undergone quite a few changes. The recon battalion, that up until now was made of one light recon company, one engineering company, and one AT company, will now transform to receive two primary capabilities:
1. Attacking and seizing complex areas deep within enemy territory with powerful and independent raiding companies.
2. Special purpose companies that will acquire quality intel through reconnaissance, and destroy hostile targets through advanced weaponry.
From the current structure of one light recon company, one engineering, and one AT, we can understand that overall these guys are traveling light.
This means a lot of dismounted action with high powered optics and camouflage, some EOD capability along with tunnel warfare capability or demolition via the combat engineers, and ATGMs carried either by dismounts or on light jeeps, by the AT unit which also does target designation and calls artillery strikes.
To attack and seize complicated areas you need armor and you need firepower. So dismounted combat or riding on light open vehicles is not an option. At least not if they want a very quick and decisive action with minimal casualties and maximum flexibility and mobility between sectors.
To destroy hostile targets independently, well the Spike ATGM will, in theory, do. But with only one company per battalion using it, and even then in limited quantity with a lot of careful planning to set up the system stealthily, it's hard to provide an intensive enough volume of fire that would be required to secure a grid, especially in semi-urban areas, or in ambushes where the defending side would have to use overwhelming firepower to ensure suppression, maneuver, and retaliation.
An ambushed recon battalion, cut away from the rest of the troops and on its way to capture territory, will not fare well against the quasi-army threats posed by any regional enemy.
And therefore we arrive at the obvious question: Does the IDF need armored reconnaissance, Australia-style?
I haven't written about it on this blog, but I have been for the most part a staunch critic of the Australian LAND 400 program as a whole, in all its phases. I still am, but I know their concept of operation is sound.
The Boxer CRV in its A2 drive module configuration, with AMAP-ADS Active Protection System.
My main criticism towards the Australian LAND 400 is about:
Cost per unit and program budget.
Problematic and almost outdated conception about vehicle and troop protection.
Lack of certain specialized variants.
These are all major issues, but points 2 and 3 can be fixed rather easily, and these are the only ones relating to technical issues, so again, the concept is sound.
The IDF is currently in a very good position to field its own CRV. I may or may not have told, that the IDF's plan to replace the M113 includes no less than 3 weight categories - Namer at 60 tons, Eitan at 35 tons, and an unselected sub-8-ton vehicle.
Eitan could be a perfect candidate for the job. It's brand new so addition of parts is a non-issue due to untapped growth potential, it is cheap and easy to produce in large numbers, and it will soon enter service.
The Eitan sports a 30mm autocannon with 2 Spike LR2 ATGMs, heavy hybrid armor, and an APS that doubles as a situational awareness tool.
In 2014 the Trophy system, destined to be mounted on the Eitan, has been used on a wide scale in Gaza. It was on the brigade level. Today it covers more than a division with 1,000 units on order.
It was an amazing situational awareness tool. Once an ATGM or ATR was fired on the tank, the crew would be alerted of the direction from which it was fired, and would quickly lay their guns on target and close the firing loop.
With such powerful tool, as well as with possible additions of acoustic or optical identification of small arms firing sources, it is only logical to equip the recon battalion's units with them.
Colonel Saar Tzur briefly explains here the impression the 401st armored brigade got from using the Trophy system live, in action.
However to set them aside from Australia's CRVs, the IDF may need to utilize special variants, preferably for the command vehicle of each platoon, or each company, some capability to observe "over the hill". Either a mast with an optical payload, or a tethered UAS.
Additionally, the IDF has special needs that may not necessarily require, but favor the acquisition of an Eitan variant with a high caliber gun.
IMI Systems currently offers the RG120 gun. It is a 120mm low recoil and low weight gun. IMI's info on it:
Optimized for light tracked and wheeled Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) with unmanned turret and autoloader
Provides MBT firepower to AFVs
Consists of a soft recoil system and muzzle brake, significantly reducing weight constraints and enabling easy installation on AFVs
Reduces recoil force by 20%
Fires all standard NATO 120mm tank cartridges (incl. APFSDS-T)
Complies with STANAG 4385 requirements
Low weight: ~ 1700 kg
This means the IDF can acquire a vehicle using components that are entirely locally made and with high TRL (Technological Readiness Level), with insignificant development efforts required.
Now, who will use this high powered but specialized Eitan version? Most likely the Mesaya'at - support company.
It may be a valid question whether MANTAK should be investing in, and producing, a vehicle that would be used only by a total of 10 companies, which could be less than a brigade, but the option exists, the solution is ripe, and it's only a matter of how they prioritize the recon battalion's capabilities.
For the first time the IDF is revealing so comprehensively the structure of its BCT's (Brigade Combat Team). This is coming ahead of a Ground Warfare Exhibition and Conference in 15-16.8.18, where the IDF is due to showcase new capabilities and various Israeli defense companies such as Elbit, RAFAEL, IAI, UVision, and subsidiaries, are due to show what they've built to provide these capabilities as well as their own concepts that drive their development efforts.
The following is a direct translation from the IDF's website. Link for reading in Hebrew.
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How the IDF's brigades will decide the next war, and what weaponry will affect the results of the future battle? 36th Division and Ground Arm Command are unveiling the "Gideon BCT" - The new combat conception of the IDF, and provide a rare glimpse at the first experimentation of the combined arms.
In the framework of the wide military exercise conducted throughout the course of this week in the Golan Heights, 36th Division forces tried for the first time the new combat conception "Gideon BCT" - the future fighting form of the IDF's maneuvering brigades.
For a long time the GAC (Ground Arm Command) are working hard on developing the new conception that will provide a powerful solution to the enemy the IDF will meet in its next war. It's a "hidden and concealing" enemy, that operates covertly, fights from within urban areas, and utilizes multiple dimensions of combat, such as sub-terranean and cyber warfare.
The Gideon BCT, as explained by the GAC, offers a new structure to the maneuvering brigades of the IDF throughout the course of fighting. Until this day, every combat brigade operated with its own uniqueness and association of arm. For example, the 7th brigade was an armor brigade, and the Golani was an infantry brigade. However now, within the framework of the BCT, in times of war, the brigades will be assembled from infantry, armor, combat engineers, and artillery, that will work side by side.
The new structure should help the IDF in its efforts to conquer new territory and be decisive against the formations of the ever-changing enemy, via fast mechanized maneuver, combination of vast and various firing capabilities, and all that while maintaining common discourse and multi-arm coordination that will reinforce the survivability and lethality of the forces on the field.
So how will the brigades fight the next war?
The new brigades will consist of no less than 6 battalions, among them 3 infantry and armor battalions, an engineering battalion, a recon battalion, and an HQ unit. All these will be specialized battalions.
To them, will join a Fire Battalion Combat Team (BatCT). The Fire BatCT is an artillery battalion that has evolved to acquire independent combat capabilities such as recon, target acquisition, target destruction, and independent maneuver.
It will do a dual work - Acquire and destroy its own targets, and receive targets to destroy from other maneuvering elements of the BCT.
During the exercise that was conducted last week, the 77th and 82nd battalions of the 7th Armor Brigade, along with the 13th battalion of the Golani Infantry Brigade and the 603rd Combat Engineers battalion, joined forces to test their cooperation and effectiveness of the new structure.
Other than the new brigade structure, the battalions themselves have also undergone quite a few changes. The recon battalion, that up until now was made of one light recon company, one engineering company, and one AT company, will now transform to receive two primary capabilities:
1. Attacking and seizing complex areas deep within enemy territory with powerful and independent raiding companies.
2. Special purpose companies that will acquire quality intel through reconnaissance, and destroy hostile targets through advanced weaponry.
We are building better acquisition and destruction capabilities from our understanding that we're operating against a sneaky enemy, one that operates in ways that allow him to avoid meeting us in face to face combat.
We are thus more capable to destroy the enemy more quickly and more precisely.
The HQ unit is also a unique addition on the brigade level. Its purpose is to ease the control and operation of the brigade, and ensure the independence of the BCT from the division level or GAC level.
Ground-breaking weaponry
Additionally, during the BCT exercise numerous new systems were tried for the first time.
Those are advanced electronic systems whose purpose are to either locate the enemy and neutralize it, or to defend the forces.
However during the exercise the forces also used brand new and very accurate means of fire activation that will physically aid in capturing territory.
First and foremost, we tried the "Gideon's Shield", capable of defending the combat units from various threats like mortars, rockets, and it can even attack aerial vehicles, thus providing the forces with great advantage over the enemy.
It's a mobile battery that moves together with the forces, and provides a sort of an "Iron Dome" for the maneuvering forces through combined capabilities of firing missiles, lasers, and even EW for interception.
The commander in charge of the battery is the BatCT commander or BCT commander, and he can decide whom he wants to protect and what assets to utilize.
Another element is "Gideon's Grid". It's a sensor system capable of detecting all sorts of targets by laying an entire blanket on a certain grid, that can detect enemy signals.
(Other sources say the plan is to use 24 aerial vehicles per brigade with various sensors).
Once a target it sighted, or a source of emissions is detected, the system quickly translates the source to accurate coordinates and sends them through the Fire Weaver system.
Additionally, Rafael's Fire Weaver was used. It's a system that can direct all the different firing sources at a certain target, after which it can select what firing source is best suited for the task, and finally give the order to fire.
This system tremendously contributes to the multi-arm cooperation of the BCT's units.
Also, new vehicles were used for the first time as well, such as robotic convoys, i.e unmanned vehicles capable of autonomously provide them with a logistical solution without endangering the drivers.
Namer IFVs with cannons were also used with armor piercing munitions. Installation of the cannon on the Namer turns him from a well protected vehicle capable of safely maneuvering with the forces - to an especially lethal fighting vehicle.
Other sources have also added some valuable information. Walla and Ynet.
In points, what they add:
BCT tried a new guided mortar round in the 120mm caliber.
Guided artillery shells will enter service soon.
Up to 50% of the arsenal will be guided munitions.
Every BCT will have its own aerial fleet and small airstrip.
The fleet will consist of at least 24 reconnaissance aircraft that will be able to pick up signals.
Every BCT will get a far-reaching broadband internet, dubbed the "3 100's". 100Mhz, 100MB, and 100km.
Every BCT will have its own air defense battery.
Below 300m the BCT's aerial wing will operate freely. Between 1km and 300m the BCT will cooperate with the air force. And above 1km only the air force works.
The drones will be operated by an air control unit belonging to each brigade.
Reconnaissance gets new objectives involving more direct combat, departure from light recon.
There's quite a lot going on here. Both a very serious restructuring, and new capabilities that are also independent of the BCT effort but greatly enhanced by it.
Under the program, a total of 10 BCT's will be formed eventually, if not more. Both active and reserve.
They're not really even brigade-sized anymore, but are closer to being twice the size of a typical brigade, or 50% larger for already large brigades. The largest brigade in the IDF is Kfir with "only" 5 battalions, which still falls short of the 6-battalion BCT.
But let's talk weaponry, shall we?
1) Fire Weaver from RAFAEL. This video explains better than anyone could, what this system does:
My take on it? It's the next generation of BMS and the only thing left to do, to get a very streamlined process of sensor-to-shooter is to give the MBTs the ability to designate targets through the IronVision helmet they'll get with the Barak.
2) Mobile Iron Dome. From my understanding it's multiple systems, one is probably the Iron Dome, and the other is a shorter range laser system suitable for downing drones. None was selected yet as far as the public knows.
RAFAEL have showcased their mobile Iron Dome in 3D models, but nothing real yet.
The model shows a missile launcher with 10 tubes on the back of a MAN truck, and a radar dome above the cabin. This gives half the static Iron Dome's missile capacity (original 20). However a typical Iron Dome battery should have a launching capacity of 40 missiles prior to reloading.
The mobile Iron Dome is dubbed iDome or I-Dome.
It's a good solution, but leaves much to be desired. First, there is still an urgent need for a 100kW laser system, dubbed Iron Beam, which has been stuck in limbo for the past decade, and this could be the only hint for its future existence (note: 100kW combat lasers were demonstrated recently).
Second, such a setup, of missiles on a truck, although cheap and flexible, require preparation time prior to firing, and are less maneuverable. The coverage issue could be fixed by moving one unit at a time out of 4, but perhaps a more suitable solution would be its placement on an Eitan vehicle.
3) 24 drones with various payloads including SIGINT, flying below 1km, or sometimes below 300 meters, per brigade, is quite a task.
A very good candidate for this could be Elbit's Hermes 90, although they are talking about having small runways for each brigade, while the Hermes 90 is runway-free. So it could be a new development.
It took a long while for a turreted Namer of any kind to pop up. A decade too long to be precise, but now it's here and it seems the IDF is very eager to test it out.
As of the last couple of days, the IDF is conducting a large exercise in the Golan region, with tanks and infantry belonging, presumably, to the 7th Armored Brigade, and Golani Infantry Brigade, both part of the 36th Division.
The 36th is one of two elite armored divisions, the other is the 162nd. Both are being equipped with the most top notch weaponry in the IDF's possession. By early 2020's they should both be fully equipped with Active Protection Systems.
The turreted Namer could have been placed there for the Minister of Defense Avigdor Liberman, but it's far more likely that it participated in early operational testing in a mechanized operation training.
The turret is to be used on the Eitan in the future as well, so its testing on the Namer could shave off a lot of development time for the Eitan, which could explain why the Eitan was built in such a relatively short time frame (decision made in 2014, prototype built since 2015, mobility tests completed in 2018, pre-series prototype in 2018, and in service in 2020).
It is yet unknown whether the first to get the turreted Namer are the Golani or Givati, however if I am correct to assume it's a 36th division exercise, then the Golani will get it first.
It could also be argued that the Givati brigade were supposed to be the first to receive the Namer, however later it was decided to first arm the Golani, and give the Golani's Achzarit APCs to Givati.
No schedule was yet given on the turret either, but it can be assumed to enter service no later than 2020, as that is when the Eitan should enter service.
As a reminder, the Barak is planned to enter service in 2021, which is 3 years from now.
As I have written in the past in this blog: The Barak is a comprehensive upgrade to the Merkava 4M and will include anything from new logistically oriented technologies to reduce maintenance times and improve operation times, to brand new types of sensors and improved fire control systems. It is an upgrade that handles practically every aspect of the tank, but intentionally not too radical to avoid cost overruns.
Inorder to improve the Armored Corps’ operational capabilities on the modern battlefield, the corps developed the Merkava Mark (Mk.) 4 Barak. This new addition will advance the Armored Corps’ operational capabilities and serve as an innovative weapon, changing the face of the battlefield. The tank’s new elements include artificial intelligence, updated sensors, and VR capabilities.The Merkava Mk. 4 Barak will be the first tank to have a smart mission computer that will manage the tanks’ tasks. This advanced artificial intelligence will reduce the team members’ workload and help them more accurately locate and strike targets.
"The advanced defense capabilities and the use of electronic means will prepare the combat soldiers to carry out missions according to the level of urgency," said a senior official from the Armored Corps. "Along with all this, additional logistical improvements will also be introduced that will enable the tank to carry out missions that are up to 30% longer than current ones."
Perhaps the most incredible advancement is that soldiers can learn how to use the tank via virtual reality (VR) simulation. As a part of The VR sessions will allow for soldiers to partake in real exercises at all times. This means that when soldiers need to use the Merkava Mk. 4 Barak they will be more prepared than ever before.
"The helmet is called Iron View, and it will allow the combat soldiers to see the outside environment from inside the combat vehicle,” said a senior official from the Armored Corps. “The sensors will allow the combat soldiers to operate the tank in a simple and advanced way, and will contribute to its defense - both physically and technologically.”
In 2018 alone, the Armored Corps struck approximately 30 different pieces of terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. The Armored Corps has played a significant and decisive role in every war that Israel has fought. Soldiers in the corps serve in a wide range of positions from those inside the tank to outside, accompanying tanks into battle. While their responsibilities may differ, the many of the corps’ soldiers work with the Merkava, which was developed in Israel in the 1970s. Since then, there have been many changes to the tank, including the recent addition of the Barak system, which will propel Israel’s ground capabilities into the future.
The new information we got in this article is that the operation time is prolonged by 30%. I don't know what exactly they are referring to here - More fuel, more efficient engine, or better batteries.
A hint can be found here. Li-ion batteries were said to be tested on the Merkava, but without any schedule. However the silent operation time was claimed to be 3 times as high as the current one, not 30% higher.
It is also told that the Barak will have drastically improved commander and gunner's sights.
MANTAK has just released a video showing the assembly of the 2nd prototype of the Eitan, and the first one in serial configuration.
The first prototype has finished its testing series and now the next phase has begun. It was recently reported the Eitan has finished its mobility tests.
As this is a production variant, it is likely the new turret and IronVision system will be tested on this prototype.
Currently, it features a different engine than the first prototype, to test different options before production or possible replacements should one supplier become less attractive. Also features improved protection for the crew and many general improvements.
Delivery to frontline units should commence somewhere around 2021, which means full rate production begins late 2020.
Suspension was also improved
Showing the different armor sections. Blue is not necessarily homogenous in thickness.
Notice how far back the turret ring is.
Passive armor laid first before the reactive armor modules.
Final side armor modules added, showing areas for filling with likely reactive armor inserts.
We all know the deal. ERA was invented and put to use in the early 80's just in time for the 1982 Lebanon War, and it was pioneered by German scientist Manfred Held who started work on it as early as the mid to late 60's, developing it jointly with Israeli company RAFAEL for a final product dubbed "Blazer" in English, and "Baltan" in Hebrew.
Simultaneously, the USSR was developing their own ERA called Kontakt-1 which proved to be somewhat more effective than Held's and RAFAEL's Blazer.
Back in the 80's it was considered revolutionary. It gave old tanks equipped only with steel armor a fighting chance against enemies equipped with ATGMs that would otherwise nullify the effectiveness of their steel armor.
Today, however, ERA is relegated to either beefing up areas that MBTs can't really up-armor (and even then many choose NERA/NxRA types of armor), or medium weight AFVs that don't really invest much of their weight into armor.
This new invention can bring back the glory days of ERA, if it picks up, and what's mind boggling about it is that it is such a simple and elegant solution that I really have no idea how none has thought of it yet.
IBD Deisenroth Engineering unveiled in this years EUROSATORY exhibition their newest member in their long line of protection systems - The SMART PROTech.
The concept is as follows:
The center piece contains pressure sensors that can pinpoint the impact location.
Two launchers located above and below the impact point are activated upon impact, and fire over a wide area to defeat even tandem warheads that so far were the achilles heel of non-heavy ERA.
Fragments from the launchers will in theory impact an area large enough to ensure the entire missile is defeated, and because its passive activation does not enable it to pinpoint the main warhead's location as APS would.
Jane's also report that the SMART PROTech system can be optimized to defeat long rod penetrators, i.e APFSDS, which became a less prominent threat today than it was during the Cold War, but is nonetheless a crucial aspect to take into account as the new trend in proxy warfare is hybrid combat units, who are non-state-actors that possess state-actor weaponry, and may be organized in a quasi-military fashion. As such, the chances of armor on armor engagements grow by the day, many already happening in Ukraine and Syria for example.
It is important to note that only one launcher will activate at a time, meaning the SMART-PROTech system can defeat at least two threats impacting the same location, although unlike IBD's ADS which operates in a similar manner but uses active sensors and is classified as an APS, two blocks cannot overlap in their protective zones because the sensors are completely passive.
But it's not a problem. This system is not an APS, thus it is a whole lot cheaper than one, making it accessible to many potential users, while giving them an almost APS-like protection.
What is sure, is that while this system is currently overlooked, perhaps because of many other big innovations in Eurosatory 2018, it is a genuinely innovative idea that can probably easily outclass any kind of existing ERA.
One additional aspect worth noting, is that it can play well into the concept of layered APS.
As the area of air defense progressed all around the world, many countries looked into beefing up their air defense coverage not only by improving a certain air defense system, but by augmenting them with MORE systems, covering different sorts of ranges and altitudes, or even ones for similar ranges but with specialized flight and defeat characteristics to defeat different types of targets better.
The same will eventually happen to vehicle-borne APS, and countries will seek to develop different APS that have differing levels of complexity, range, and limited sets of targets to maximize a networked array's efficiency.
IBD's SMART PROTech system can definitely fit into the category of low end APS, having the lowest level of sophistication and complexity, but with great effect, allowing it to serve as a low tier APS, while longer range systems such as launcher-based ones, or laser-based, will take on the longer range threats.
In the recent ground warfare conference in Israel, as I've told before, there was quite a poor coverage, and no photos apparently. But one was sent to a military forum admin nicknamed Sirpad, and he shared it with us.
As we can see, it has everything a turret might need but I caught a few unconventional things, for the better and worse:
Commander seems to have an MWIR night sight with a recognition range of 5km on the main vision block (FLIR), while the gunner has an EMWIR sight with a somewhat longer range, neither of which however are mentioned specifically on Elbit's site. Their HDTV cameras are also different, probably the gunner also having a longer range, higher quality one.
There are 2 MATADOR anti-bunker/materiel/personnel short range rockets for up to several hundred meters, primarily for urban warfare scenarios where you may need a little more punch than a 30mm gun can provide. These are, of course, fully interchangeable with Spike LR 2 missiles.
The Trophy system does not seem to have an autoloading mechanism on this one. We know the IDF required, about a decade ago during trials of the Trophy against the Iron Fist, for both contenders to have 3 interceptors per side, for a total of 6. This meant the autoloader would accommodate either 3 munitions, or 2 with 1 already loaded. It would be quite ridiculous for it to only have 1 charge per side.
We do not know yet if this was intentionally left out from this presentation, or a temporary design choice. But we can see that the mortar's autoloading mechanism was also omitted.
As in every year, apparently, the IDF will be having completely ground-focused conferences and exhibitions around the middle of May. The first major one was last year in May 16-17th 2017.
The topics are AFVs, artillery, firepower, intelligence, tactics, strategies, force structures, future threats, and more.
In this blog I love focusing on AFVs, and unfortunately, last year the roadmap for the short to long term development of AFVs has been mostly unveiled, so today we're not left with much. But it's still something so let's dissect it:
The future AFV will be tracked, not wheeled. It will be a sensor station with varied firepower. The capabilities in development will allow the AFVs to be operated by 2 men. A third man will be a frame commander (platoon or company commander), or an external systems operator. A tank platoon will include 2 vehicles. That's our direction.
The budget for the future MBT development is limited and it makes things difficult, but the development paths are innovative. The roadmap includes automation, autonomy, broadband communication, AI, and more. The vision for future combat maneuver includes a step in capabilities. The AFV will be the center of future ground maneuver, even in complex terrain.
The Carmel program develops technologies for the future AFVs, as MANTAK will draw technologies from it and give them to existing vehicles. The AFV will have to protect itself and its firepower has to be varied. The propulsion will by hybrid. The future AFV will also have cyber protection in accordance with international standards.
We started in 2015. In 2016 the Carmel program began and will end by Q3-Q4 of 2019. We are at the end of Phase 1 - Feasibility tests for an AFV operation via 2 men. After that, MANTAK will enter the picture. 3 industries are working on this - RAFAEL, Elbit, and IAI. Each one offers a different concept. RAFAEL offers a 'glass cockpit' where the situational picture is laid on screens. Elbit offers a pilots' helmet converted for ground use. And IAI combines different technologies. This is what we will see during the demonstration in 2019. High emphasis is put on situational awareness and lethality.
Most of that is information we already know. But we do get some confirmation that all Carmel vehicles will be manned by 3 crewmen. 2 are the actual crew, and the third is a commander or drone operator. Since we also now know there will be 2 vehicles per platoon, we can infer in one there will be the platoon commander and in another the drone or systems operator.
Udi Etzion, a respectable author, wrote an article to the daily Yediot Aharonot magazine, where he describes the technologies the IDF could incorporate by the year 2030, in some way or another.
Similar to the soon-to-be-established American Futures Command, the IDF has committees that plan for the coming years. The objectives for 2020 are advancing on schedule and now they are looking to what will be in the decade that follows.
Laser systems for the protection of ground forces, 2-man "Carmel" tanks, smart helmets for the infantry, drones for medevac, unmanned ammo trucks, and a data analyst for every brigade commander. The IDF is already recruiting the AI and operates more and more autonomous vehicles in the air, land, and sea. But even in 12 years the robots will not replace the combat soldiers and pilots. The army will march on its stomach, only the food will be printed on the field, in portable 3D printers.
Even in 2018 it sounds like science fiction, surely in 1978. But this story did happen. 40 years ago RAFAEL had worked on a secret project to develop a laser weapon system for the Sa'ar-5 ships that the navy would later acquire. The project was frozen after it was realized just how much time and resources will be needed for its completion. Only in recent years the US Navy began fielding this system.
So when we start drawing up the plan for what the IDF will acquire by 2030, we have to take into account that not every promising technology matures in the pace that is expected of it, and sometimes the priorities change because of the changing reality in the region. Take for example the presence of Russian and Iranian forces in the north and the growing tensions in Syria that have already caused the re-writing of work plans for the coming years. But even under the limitations of censorship, this is a rare view into the plans and projects that will turn 82-year old IDF into something different than it was in its 70th.
After the revolution of precise weapons in the 90's, and the information revolution of the past decade, the IDF is now facing another revolution: Autonomous fighting. In 2030 we will have the capability to identify targets, classify them, adapt the right type of weapon to them, and give the order of fire.
Once, a ground force could be attacked, identify a target, and request fire on target, and wait 2 hours until it would receive it.
We are on our way to a reality where we will have the capability to employ quick and precise firepower when a man only supervises it. Of course, there is no substitute for a commander who sets the open fire policy depending on the circumstances.
Brig. General Avtalion says "We are dealing in reality. As the prime technologist of the ground forces in the IDF I can tell you that the leap that is happening in AI and processing power could allow these capabilities even earlier. We're talking about a smart network that will be connected to all types of recon, armament, and command centers. It will allow the use of autonomous vehicles and reduce the risk to the combat soldiers. We have a long way to go before we get there, but even today the IDF is a world leader in fielding autonomous capabilities".
Brig. General Avtalion is not the only technologist that believes these autonomous capabilities are achievable within a decade. "There are 3 revolutions that will aid this happen: The leap in AI capabilities, through neuron networks and other means, the ability to create and analyze vast amounts of data, what is called Big Data, and the decreasing cost of processing power", explains Colonel A, commander of Matzpen, the software development unit of the GHQ (General Head Quarters).
"AI could better identify the centers of gravity of the enemy and advise commanders where to attack. Even today we're using AI in the West Bank area. The big challenge becomes how to professionalize and use all the digital data that the system has in every sector. In the military, there are vast amounts of data and one has to know how to extract the relevant data. The brigade commanders of 2030 won't need only a driver and communications operator, but a data analyst as well. Just like there are data analysts in the capital market today."
The move will not be sweeping: Pilots, tank crews, sailors, will continue firing on their own and with their judgement. The Tzayad system (BMS), that is already operational, will be used not only for the control of ground forces but also the control of autonomous systems. For example on borders.", explains head of planning division of the ground forces, Colonel Rami Avudraham.
It is no surprise this is primarily about the ground forces. The understanding that the IDF has for years neglected the ground forces for the sake of the air force and intelligence, was translated by Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot to an organized program for the upgrade of the ground forces. Actions that begin today will be completed within a decade and will make the ground forces more technologically advanced than it is today.
This way, for example, by then the program to re-equip the IDF with new howitzers will be completed. The new howitzers, developed by Elbit systems, will have higher rate of fire, less crewmen, more precise firepower, and automatic datalink to location systems (GPS), weather analysis and more.
The new systems will probably be mounted on special wheeled trucks and not on tracked platforms, contrary to the current howitzers.
The army by then will have hundreds of Eitan combat vehicles that will replace some of the M113 that should have been gone a while ago.
And as was reported here earlier, the IDF will set up a new rocket force subordinated to the GHQ, that will base itself on long range rockets up to a range of 300km or more.
The innovations won't stop here. For years the IDF has dragged its feet in the procurement of defense systems. The Army resisted systems like Arrow and Iron Dome, and only started equipping its advanced Merkava 4 tanks with the Trophy APS after the 2nd Lebanon War.
Today, after they have all proven themselves, they changed approach.
In recent months a new project was initiated to develop a protection system for the ground troops, that will accompany them on the battlefield and enter service in the next decade. "We want to provide the maneuvering troops a protection system against mortars, short range rockets, and drones", explains Colonel Avudraham.
"The system will be based on a laser (Iron Beam), and on kinetic interceptors as well, a product that doesn't exist yet anywhere in the world".
Drones, activated in packs, pose a double threat: They allow terrorists to conduct surveillance and espionage on IDF troops, a capability that once only state actors possessed, and gives them the ability to strike from the air via release of grenades, or "suicide" of HE-carrying drones.
On the other hand, the IDF is set to bolster the aerial capabilities of its ground troops. Elbit's new "Skylark 2" drone, that has already assimilated in the infantry brigades and can provide commanders with 6 hours of continuous footage, will soon be joined by new UAVs, that will reduce the dependence on the air force.
We're talking about armed drones and kamikaze drones, sort of single-use UAVs that can loiter for a very long time before locating a target and detonating on it. If they won't find a target, they can be safely retrieved, refueled, and reused.
By 2030 we'll also take in new advanced drones that will assume a new niche: Communications. To permit all autonomous capabilities, the ground forces will need access to intelligence systems and communications to receive new orders. The new communications array will ensure a steady stream of up-to-date data from the front to the commands and vice versa.
However, the ability to conduct operations independently will be preserved.
Until then, the IDF will be equipped with a significant amount of Merkava 4 Barack tanks, the improved model that will enter serial production in 2020, and will include improvements to its protection, but mostly to identification of targets and their handling whilst connected to an army-wide network.
On the other hand, by 2030 the new vehicles that will replace the Merkava on the production line should mature as well: The "Carmel", an advanced tank that will be operated by 2 men only instead of 4, as well as a family of vehicles based on it.
The real question is whether the conservative IDF will be able to take the dramatic choice to end the production of the classical tank and move on to the 21st century.
Overall, after many years of conservatism and sticking to treads, we could see in the IDF more and more wheeled AFVs. The Eitan IFVs will be joined by smaller, lighter vehicles adapted to fighting in urban areas. It will allow more fighters to mobilize with proper protection. With that in mind, it is clear that by 2030 the IDF will not be able to replace the M113 entirely, such as the one that blew up in Shujaiya in Operation Protective Edge, and many of them will remain in service. But they will only serve as 2nd line vehicles, not to be used by those units who will spearhead the fight.
The Sa'ar 6 ships are set to arrive in Israel soon, and by the start of the next decade (20's) they will enter service after being refitted with indigenous systems. They will be used to protect the offshore gas rigs.
These ships will be among the most well armed in the world: Barak 8 missiles of the IAI against super-sonic Yakhont missiles held by Syria and Hezbollah, a naval version of the Iron Dome against rockets aimed at the gas rigs, and a new offensive weapon, Israeli as well.
We are also testing the possibility of arming these ships with long range rockets. These are a naval version of IMI's long range rockets for several hundred kilometers, that will serve as a basis for the IDF's new rocket corps. The Iron Dome didn't need any significant changes to become adapted to naval platforms. If that will be the case for IMI's rockets, and there won't be a need in significant investment in their modification, then they'll make it to the navy.
The navy will also accept by 2030 at least one submarine out of the 3 on order. Although they're built by the same shipyard that built the Dolphin 1 and Dolphin 2 class submarines, they will be different.
In recent years, low frequency sonars are entering the world of submarines, with improved active detection capabilities. There is wider use of radars as well, and satellite identification of submarines has also become available. The answer to these threats is a new design of the body of the submarine, to be 'stealthier' to these means.
The navy plans to complete by 2030 the replacement of the Sa'ar 4.5 ships of the "Nirit" class. Now that the submarine and surface ship corruption case has blown up, the IDF will return to buying its ships at home. That is, build the new surface ships, call them "Sa'ar 7" if you like, in Israel Shipyards facilities in Haifa, that also built the Sa'ar 4.5 ships.
The IDF needs new heavier ships to replace the Sa'ar 4.5 that will increase in weight from 500 tons to 900 tons. A proper candidate could be the "Sa'ar 72" which are redesigned Sa'ar 4.5 ships. The Sa'ar 5 weighing 1,200 tons will be replaced by 2,000 ton Sa'ar 6 ships.
The navy will also try to convince decision makers at the GHQ to increase the number of ships in light of the new presence of not-so-friendly navies in the Mediterranean, such as the Russian fleet. In 2030 the Sa'ar 5 will be the backbone of the fleet, almost 40 years in age, and they will also need either refurbishment and modernization, or replacement.
Due to enter service by the end of 2020 if not sooner, the Eitan is quickly getting closer and closer to completion of its development phase, with recently reaching a milestone of rigorous mobility tests.
Tests included driving in all of Israel's types of terrain from the wet and muddy north, to the hot deserts of the south.
The next major milestones of its development will include integration of a turret with an APS, as well as operational tests in exercises with the Nahal infantry brigade that is set to absorb them first.
The turret is developed jointly for the Namer and Eitan, and at least one prototype was integrated and tested on the Namer. Due to systems commonality between the Namer and Eitan, the development of the turret and testing on both will accelerate the process for the Eitan.
Nahal brigade has already started testing the prototype as well a while ago, and may soon implement them into wider exercises as more prototypes are built for that purpose.
It is worth noting that another major component of the Eitan - The Iron Vision Head Mounted Display that provides an Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) view, enabling looking through the vehicle and laying important information on the display wherever the operator is looking, has been tested already last year on the Merkava 4 both in its methods of operation and its technical capabilities.
Thus, the Eitan is in very advanced stages of its development.
I don't really know why it was always marked as a draft and never published, but I think it's still relevant even though it's from November last year (2017):
A new article from "Ynet News" adds new info on the Barak and other programs.
It's in Hebrew, but I have taken upon myself to translate the important bits here (some new, some old, I will mark it):
1)The Barak weighs 70 tons. (new)
Ex: In Israel, exact figures are almost never given. It's not because it's OPSEC, but because that's the sort of mentality here. Only the engineers will handle that, and the plebs get rounded numbers. So it could mean about 69, or it could be 73.
However up until now it's always been 60-65 tons, so we could see some solid amount of equipment added to the tank, which will be interesting. On the downside, it means weight reduction measures probably weren't taken and I shouldn't explain why excessive weight is bad.
2)Utilizes an AI-managed "mission computer". (new/old)
Ex: Okay so we've heard plenty of times that many actions will be automated, and that means AI. It was said however mostly in the context of the firing loop. Now they say the mission computer, otherwise known as BMS, will automatically manage certain comms with other assets that will also include the Namers and Eitans among others. Info that was previously manually input by the TC (commander).
The AI will be able to make various decisions based on the targets it identifies, whether based on the optics or the APS, and advise the crew on certain actions, and make terrain-mapping related decisions such as pointing optimal firing positions or dangerous areas.
3)Female voice selected to alert crews via BMS. (new)
Ex: Easy to distinguish from a male voice, so it won't blend in with the crew's voices, and the crew will not ignore it (they tend to ignore messages from crewmen). Among the alerts it will give are "Missiles", "Short range ATGM", and "Turning over" which means it will not only alert the crew of the type of threat and thus approximate time to impact, but also of terrain related issues to minimize accidents.
4)It was tested as a fully autonomous vehicle. (new)
Ex: But there is no operational requirement, for obvious reasons, so it's merely a test.
5)Hybrid powerplant. (new)
Ex: To cope with the higher weight and to save on fuel, hybrid is the way to go. This could also give it an amazing torque and make it a "little" speed demon. And as an environmentalist it really gives me some relief.
6)IronVision helmet system tested last month (October). (old)
Ex: I thought it was scheduled to be tested in April, but nonetheless it's good news it happened. The date for operational fielding has remained unchanged, and even rounded down to 2020, so there's no delay but a re-scheduling.
7)IronVision to be tested soon on Company-sized force. (new)
Ex: Means less time required for full operational testing, if they segment the operational testing phases to do in parallel with the program.
8)Starting next year, 3 times as many Trophy-equipped vehicles will be manufactured as this year. (new)
Ex: While the production rate is still minimal, to keep the work stable and allow to double the output when needed urgently, the front-line units will benefit greatly and at a quick rate from this decision. It also comes in light of the recent contract for 1,000 Trophy systems, and the decision to not only equip the Namers and Eitans with it, but also the Merkava 3.
