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.
