Tuesday 4 September 2018
Last update on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 At 7:15 AM
Israel’s Air Force will be supplied with new self-steering missiles designed to improve the country’s defence system as well as its potential fire power.
As the country’s enemies continue to develop their military force, Israel strives for one mission: an air defence force like no other country. The Israeli Air Force could soon be supplied with new advanced-technology air-to-surface missiles equipped to be guided by GPS and designed to improve the country’s defence system as well as its potential fire power.
Israeli defence adding smarter solutions to its air force
The Israeli Defence Ministry has signed a deal with Israel Military Industries (IMI) on Monday for the delivery of advanced precision ACCULAR surface-to-surface rockets with added GPS guidance and remote steering capabilities, enabling to autonomously strike fixed targets at a very low cost compared to existing products and eliminating, in some cases, the need for a pilot to fly the platform. These new missiles will be developed by Israel Military Industries Ltd in partnership with the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
At the same time, Israel’s Air Force’s F-15, F-16 and F-35 fighter jets will be equipped with a supersonic air-to-surface missile, named “the Rampage”, designed to hit areas that are protected by air-defence assets and meant to operate in all weather conditions. The Israeli military industries IMI and IAI have carried out joint experiments which have shown the new 4.7-meter-long missile operational.
Boaz Levy, General Manager and Executive VP of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Rockets, Missiles & Space Group said in a statement that the new advanced solution “reflects the extensive technological know-how and experience of both companies, with a price tag which is attractive and relevant for all global markets”.
Israel’s air force defence posture to face regional threat
Israel’s air force defence has strengthened over the past few years and it remains by far the best equipped and the most powerful in the Middle East region. Nonetheless, it faces several major challenges: the risk from non-state actors is increasing along the country’s borders and the Israeli defence perimeter has extended toward Iran.
The announcement of the new advanced self-steering missiles comes indeed as tensions on Israeli borders become more perceptible. Israel has also been “managing a campaign against Iranian forces, especially on Israel’s northern border” said Maj.Gen. Amikam Norkin, the Commander of the Israel Air Force.
In recent years, the IDF is meeting these challenges by strengthening its weapons research and professional units and giving way to advanced-technology missiles, ballistic and radar systems.
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