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IAI's Multi-Purpose Lahat Missile

IAI's Multi-Purpose Lahat Missile



IAI is unveiling at Eurosatory 2008 a long awaited multi-purpose version of the Lahat missile, designed to defeat 'soft' targets. Initially, the lightweight (12.5 kg) Lahat missile was equipped with a shaped charge an anti-tank warhead weighing 2.5 kg. This warhead is capable of penetrating up to 800 mm of steel armor. The new warhead weighs the same but uses a fragmentation sleeve fitted to a smaller shaped charge designed to create both armor penetrating and blast fragmentation effects. The new warhead developed by Israel Military Industries (IMI) is effective against exposed human targets, soft (unarmored) vehicles and light armored vehicles. Standard shaped charge warheads are not effective against soft targets due
to their 'surgical' highly directional effect.



In addition, IAI is offering the new missile as part of an innovative force protection application, which could be employed to protect coalition force, forward operating bases in Afghanistan and Iraq, or other 'hot' border areas. In this application, unmanned Lahat missile stacks are maintained in fixed installations, each carrying eight missiles. Up to four units can be employed to cover the entire base perimeter, providing operating depth of several kilometers. The missiles are linked to existing area surveillance systems, operating at the base, comprising unattended and electro-optical sensors.

Forward operating bases are protected by unattended sensor arrays and electro-optical (EO) surveillance means. They also employ separate networks of base protection sensors, patrols, and combat fire support and air support assets. However, current means are frequently incapable responding to sporadic insurgent attacks. While electro-optical systems in observations, UAVs, or surveillance aircraft frequently detect and identify insurgents, setting up mortar or rocket launchers to attack, defenders repeatedly fail to perform target hand-over from the observation, spotting the target,
through the command post authorizing the attack, to the target acquisition system tracking the target and direct a weapon to destroy it. Clearing complex fire safety procedures through the chain of command only add to the complexity, especially when adhering to strict rules of engagement, typical in 'asymmetric warfare'. Since observation systems are not usually associated with integral weapons, such 'kill chains' are slow to react, frequently enabling insurgents to fire their weapons and escape before the defender reacts and opens fire.

IAI is introducing a new dimension into the 'sensor-to-shooter' cycle, since its new Lahat will empower the 'sensor' elements to perform target acquisition and designation, while being capable of immediate responding to time-critical targets. By associating the target in-sight with the remotely launched LAHAT missile, using the laser designator attached to the EO payload, the system is transforming the 'sensor' into a 'trigger'.

The key to this new implementation are weapon-allocation rules (algorithms) developed at IAI, based on the company's long experience with air defense systems. These rules are matching the best available missile with the associated target, considering location, distance, response time, direction of attack, nearby friendly forces etc. According to Ofer Doron, marketing manager of IAI/MBT missile systems & Space Group, recent demonstrations performed with the new Lahat proved its ability to accurately and effectively defeat a group of exposed soft (human like) targets, utilizing
low-angle (ground bound) target designation. The small warhead is optimized to defeat the target while maintaining relatively limited peripheral effect reducing collateral damage.

According to Doron, the Lahat is designed to operate under all weather
conditions and could attack any target visible to the electro-optical sensor. IAI carries the Lahat concept further into a new method of fire support by precision laser guided weapons, where 24 Lahat missiles are installed on a vehicular platform, carrying a communications system and
electro-optical payloads on a telescopic mast. Multiple units could be positioned to cover the field of operation, fire missiles in support of infantry units operating in its area.

Similar to the force protection Lahat concept, the 'trigger' will be activated by the supported unit, where the infantry calling for support will command the launch and designate the target to be attacked. Each vehicle could support units beyond line of sight, at ranges of up to eight kilometers, using anti-tank or multi-purpose missiles depending on the effect required. The missile unit could also attack targets within line-
of -sight autonomously using its own sensors.

IAI Unveils Laser-Guided, Net-Centric Weapons

Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) Presents Innovative NetCentric Laser Guided Weapon Systems and Operational Concept at Eurosatory 2008

(Source: Israel Aerospace Industries; issued June 16, 2008)

BEN GURION INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Israel --- IAI/MBT Missiles Division will present its family of laser guided weapons and will introduce an advanced operational concept for network-centric laser guided warfare at Eurosatory 2008 (Paris, France).

MBT’s laser guided weapons enable ground forces to engage targets effectively, employing a variety of weapons/warheads and launch platforms, covering large areas. The operational concept, currently under evaluation by several armies, enables infantry and mechanized forces, equipped with laser designators and sophisticated C2 systems, to call up, "on demand", an appropriate weapon from automatically allocated remote launchers.

A similar system concept is used for borders and bases protection from mortars and rockets attacks and insurgents' penetration. Electro-optic payloads, fixed on towers, deployed in the field or in the air, perform targets detection, identification and designation. The targets are rapidly and accurately engaged by laser guided missiles fired from remote, unmanned launchers. This capability transforms the fighter, or the observation sensor, into a formidable weapon system, seamlessly engaging targets with appropriate weapons in a timely manner.

Laser guided weapons provide forces with accurate, cost-effective fire, with robust, simple operation. IAI's laser guided munitions cover a wide set of targets and scenarios:

-- LAHAT – Lightweight, 8 km range missile, launched from a variety of platforms, including vehicles, helicopters, tanks and fixed launchers. Fitted with 2.5 kg anti-personnel or anti-tank warhead.

-- FireBall – 120 mm laser/GPS guided mortar bomb, effective against personnel and soft targets to a range of 15 km.

-- Nimrod 1 – 26 km, vehicle- or helicopter-launched anti-tank, anti-personnel and anti-building missile.

-- Nimrod 3 – 50 km laser/GPS guided missile with a large anti-building warhead.

-- Griffin 3 – Extremely accurate laser guidance kit for GP and penetration bombs.


IAI has sold thousands of laser guided munitions to customers worldwide, and foresees a significant growth in the market as users demand more accurate and timely fire for their ground and air units.

Israel's high end tanks have had some trouble staying in the fight against modern anti-tank missiles. Now they get additional, active protection. At the current prices, those systems seem to not be suited for the day to day battlefield vehicle.
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Israel Says Tanks To Get New Anti-Missile System

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Published: 7 Aug 2009 08:33

JERUSALEM - The Israeli army will begin equipping its tanks with a new anti-missile system, following stinging losses as a result of missiles fired by Hezbollah militants in the 2006 Lebanon war, officials said.

The Trophy system uses radar to track incoming missiles and fires a projectile to explode the missiles before they reach their target, a military official said.

Tests of the system were successful and it will be installed on the latest generation Merkava IV tanks.

According the private television station Channel 10, the system is expensive, costing about $350,000 dollars (245,000 euros) per unit.

Israel has been searching for a new defense against missiles after Hezbollah militants during the Second Lebanon War scored a number of damaging strikes against the Merkavas, considered one of the strongest tanks in the world.

Israel media have reported that of 25 modern guided missiles fired by Hezbollah militants, a quarter penetrated the tank's formidable armor and caused death or injuries among crew members.

The Israeli army has introduced a new combat robot ROBUST M-RCV created by Elbit Systems. The M-RCV robotic vehicle is based on the BLR-2 platform and is equipped with an autonomous turret with a 30mm automatic cannon. The Elbit Iron Fist active protection system is installed on the ROBUST robotic vehicle, with its help, the robot’s radar detects missiles and shells and shoots them down with anti-missiles, the system is successful, but the radar radiation unmasks a seriously combat vehicle. In general, judging by everything that is installed in this combat vehicle, its price will be colossal. Complementing all this, UAV fire and flight control systems, a robotic autonomous operating kit and active and passive sensors for assessing the combat situation. The tank drone performs reconnaissance functions and is placed in a special capsule. The vehicle will also be equipped with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems' Spike missiles.

IAI to provide NATO country with special mission aircraft​

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has secured a deal to supply an unnamed European customer with special mission aircraft.

Valued at over $200 million, the contract is from a NATO country, says IAI. The company did not name the customer, or provide details about the aircraft type, number of airframes, or delivery timeframe.




Source: Israel Aerospace Industries

ELI-3001 signals intelligencce aircraft is derived from the Gulfstream G550 business jet
IAI’s Elta Systems business, which specialises in radars and intelligence-gathering technology, will develop the aircraft.

While IAI provides few details, it suggests the mission for the aircraft will be intelligence collection.

“Time and time again, IAI continues to prove its ground-breaking capabilities, which have high global demand and worldwide appreciation,” says chief executive Boaz Levy.

“This contract, at the centre of which are advanced special mission aircraft, is another testament to our unique technologies which are a crucial strategic component to every military utilising them.”

IAI vice-president Yoav Tourgeman, adds: “Our ongoing commitment to provide cutting-edge technologies to our customers, with advanced detection and classification capabilities, will enable success even in the most complicated missions,” adds Tourgeman.

IAI provides special mission aircraft in four categories through the addition of military systems to business jets: airborne early warning and control, air-to-ground surveillance, maritime patrol, and signals intelligence.

Besides its domestic customer, IAI has supplied special mission aircraft to Italy and Singapore.

Merkava 5 Barak MBT main battle tank to enter service by 2023​

According to JNS, the Israel Defense Force’s next-generation tank, Merkava Mark 5—dubbed “Barak” (or “lightning” in Hebrew)—will enter initial service in the Armored Corps within a year, Walla reported on Thursday, March 17.


Merkava Mk 4 Windbreaker is the latest variant of the Merkava family. (Picture source: IDF)

According to the report, the tank will have an upgraded Trophy active protection system against anti-tank missiles, made by Rafael; 360-degree camera coverage for day and night views, and boosted situational awareness; and a head-up display for the tank commander, similar to that of a fighter-jet pilot.

The tank will also include new, advanced sensors enabling it to independently acquire targets and strike them rapidly, as well as deploy electronic-warfare capabilities and advanced processing systems. Many of the new capabilities have been outlined in the Defense Ministry’s Carmel next-generation fighting vehicle program, which was awarded to Israel Aerospace Industries in October 2021.

Notice that the latest version in the Merkava family – the Windbreaker – is already equipped with the Trophy APS (Active protection System) that protects the tank from a wide variety of threats ranging from rockets, ATGMs and platform-fired High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) rounds. Trophy offers 360° protection in azimuth, as well as extensive elevation coverage, while maintaining a pre-defined safety zone for friendly troops on the ground. The neutralization process is initiated only if the threat is about to hit the vehicle.

Israel Aerospace Industries Unveils STAR-X 3D Naval Radar for Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs)​

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Tel Aviv – July 28, 2022 – Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) has unveiled the STAR-X 3D multi-mission naval radar, designed for Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and other small vessels. The STAR-X 3D naval radar is based on IAI’s ELTA pioneering AESA (Active Electronic Scanned Array) technology It performs simultaneous air and surface surveillance, and is designed for performing critical missions in Exclusive Economic Zones (EZZ) and beyond.

In an era of diverse spectrum of aerial threats and challenges to maritime security and sovereignty, Naval vessels need to be equipped with 3D surveillance capabilities as part of modern Naval Air & Missile defense.

Naval combat suites that include Strike capabilities as well, provide nations with the ability to defend their strategic interests at sea.
The newest member of IAI family of operationally proven naval radars, which are in service with naval forces worldwide, the STAR-X is a fully digital, 3D, high-performance AESA radar which leverages proven technology from other IAI-ELTA radars. The STAR-X has reduced overall dimensions and lower weight and power requirements, which provide a very cost-effective solution for naval radar technology.

The versatile radar features robust, modular construction and fully digital software driven architecture. The STAR-X delivers low LCC (Life Cycle Cost) together with the cost-effective ability to implement future upgrades, mainly through software updates, ensuring the ability to evolve and address future threats.

Eyal Shapira, VP& GM Air Defense Radars and Naval Systems, said, “The STAR-X radar meets the growing demands for Radars designed for OPVs, to guard against a wide range of missions and threats including terrorism, smuggling, illegal fishing, SAR, and others. Whether engaged to protect critical offshore infrastructure or to assist in search and rescue operations, the STAR-X delivers significantly enhanced situational awareness in comparison to the legacy systems that have traditionally been fitted to this class of ship. IAI is proud of the capabilities we are bringing to this increasingly important class of vessel.”

Squadron commander preparing for an attack on Iran: "This is the order of the hour, we were not at a boiling point like this"

The commander of 119 Squadron "The Bat" referred in an interview with Walla to the operation that the IDF had been preparing for years - damage to Iran's nuclear program. 15 years after the reactor attack in Syria, the commander spoke about preparations for a similar operation, lessons learned and mental preparation. "We will do what they ask. From us - we are ready"

In a special interview with Walla, he spoke about the reactor attack and what can be learned from it in preparation for a possible attack on Iran. “Before the attack on Syria, we trained over long distances. I personally participated in exercises in the United States and Canada. I was deputy commander of B Squadron and participated in the transfer of F-16 aircraft from Hill base in the United States to Israel. This is really a long-range flight with a lot of features," recalled Sa, "LA. "We had four refuels. A crazy operation, a very large Air Force operation, a very impressive operation. At the time, there were maybe four air forces in the world that could mount such an operation."

What do you think can be learned from this for an attack away from Israel, like Iran?

"I'm comparing for a moment the attack of 2007 and the return of the United States, which is the closest I can imagine. The occupation regime is different, in practice. As a pilot who connects to the machine and becomes part of a hoist works with everything needed. When you train for complicated and complex things, even if they are short, you break the training into small pieces."

What does the second part of the preparation for the operation in Iran include?

"Build a training program that is intertwined with the army's attack plan. Some of them are accompanied by models and training, some are famous and some less so. It could be an overseas flight, training in Cyprus, Europe, closer targets that help us to simulate relevant ranges, and it can be training that simulates segments within the same command.

"complementary part to the air program being the technical part. Train a lot in aerial refueling, that's what happened last year. The issue of armaments is also a significant part of the story. Today there are more advanced armaments than there were in the past. part is the synchronization of the body's flight and the assembly of the whole puzzle. Last year we were busy each within ourselves and now we have to build the puzzle so that this whole symphony plays together."

Do you already know today what your part will be in the attack on Iran if they decide to do so? ?

"I can tell you what they're going to ask of me. It's in various stages of maturity, we're at certain levels. We're ready for action even today. There's still room to move forward."

There has been a lot of talk in the media about his level of preparedness for an attack. What is the degree and quality of readiness for Command Day in Iran compared to a year and a half ago?

"It's hundreds of percent bigger than a year and a half ago. There are still steps to take, but today I know how to get there and execute, and we're ready. It's not comparable, and if necessary, we know how to execute. to do? Unequivocally. As time goes on, we go More ready. We will do what they ask us. If they ask us to come? We will. Attack is attack. defend then defend."

During his remarks, the squadron commander Lt. Col. T. explained that the Air Force fighter pilots' friction with the various threats in the immediate vicinity of the first circle, such as Lebanon and Syria, helps them prepare for an attack on Iran. . "There are a lot of things that are in the immediate vicinity, so you have both advantages and disadvantages. That allows you to get to know very intimately with the ranks that may well have been there and in the end ended up here."

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Putin's Cheap Replacement: What Can Be Learned From the Performance of Iranian Drones in Ukraine

Hezbollah has several types of unmanned aerial vehicles made in Iran and launched several of them at Asda Harish during the summer sea border tensions that eased after the Lebanon deal. Israel was able to intercept the drones, which were not armed, and this was an illustration of the nature of any future conflict that might arise between Israel and Iran or their supporters in the region. Tehran itself has tried in recent years to penetrate Israel's skies with unmanned aircraft from the north or east, in cases where they were shot down outside the country's borders or close to them without causing damage, but the attacks included one or two drones and were not shot down. as extensive as those of the Russian army in Ukraine.

Last month, Iranian suicide drones attacked targets of Kurdish organizations in northern Iraq, in response to unrest in the country that spread from the Kurdish province of Iran after the death of young Mahasa Amini. At least nine people were killed and more than 30 wounded in the widespread attack on the Kurdish region of Iraq, which enjoys little air defense from US forces stationed in the area.

UAV warfare, which is gradually replacing conventional air warfare, is no stranger to Israel. This summer "revealed" a well-known secret, when it confirmed the many publications on the extensive use of attack drones in the Gaza Strip.

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