5 Most Innovative Weapons the IDF Has to Offer (That We Can Tell You About)

1. The IDF Unmanned Ground Vehicle

The border with Gaza is one of Israel’s most tense regions. Hamas snipers, anti-tank missiles and explosives threaten IDF soldiers whose job it is to patrol the security fence on the border.

To counter these threats, the IDF has introduced the Guardium Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), which patrols the Gaza fence around the clock. “The most important aspect of the Guardium is that it saves human lives — and money, too,” said Lt. Avidav, Head of the Guardium Division.

The Guardium is unarmed, but is equipped with 360 degree cameras and a loudspeaker. It is highly mobile, which means that it can stream images from various angles and gather more data than a stationary camera can.

Infantry soldiers often patrol alongside the Guardium, which can detect threats from a distance. If it spots something suspicious, the soldiers in the command room immediately notify the foot soldiers in the field of the danger.

2. Mobile Radar

The IDF has developed the windshield radar, a new mobile radar that will help save lives of IDF soldiers during any future war. The radar will be attached to armored and infantry brigades, and will be able to respond immediately to rocket fire. The mobile radar will identify the source of fire against the brigade, including short-range shooting, and will give our forces the ability to respond quickly towards the source of fire.

3. The Trophy System

The Trophy Active Tank Defense System was developed with one goal in mind. It is designed to remove the last Achilles’ heel of armored vehicles and tanks – modern anti-tank guided missiles. How does it work? Simple – the Trophy’s detection system creates a 360 degree protective shield around the tank. When an enemy launches a rocket against a tank outfitted with Trophy, the system instantly detects and neutralizes any threat to the tank by firing a missile of its own which blows up the enemy missile.

4.  The Iron Dome Rocket Defense System

The Iron Dome System has been deployed in the south of Israel since early 2011 in order to protect Israel’s population from the rockets fired from Gaza.

The system is the first of its kind. In terms of speed, accuracy and capability, there was no other system like it in the world prior to its introduction. Every individual battery is fully mobile and includes a radar station, a weapons control unit and the actual missile firing unit itself. As soon as an enemy rocket is fired into Israel, the radar station detects and tracks its trajectory and launches a missile of its own to intercept and neutralize the enemy rocket before it can cause any harm.

5. IDF’s Dolphin-class Submarines

The IDF’s  new submarines are equipped with brand-new systems, and therefore new capabilities. Among these are greater stealth and the ability to stay longer under water. These new submarines will use AIP (air-independent propulsion) technology, which enables them to stay underwater longer. They are also stealthier because they produce less noise.

The new submarines will be equipped with the most up-to-date naval weapons systems and improved detection capabilities. They are also designed to be easily maneuvered. Because they are larger than previous ones, they are equipped with a new steering station that will enable commanders to maneuver them easily in strong currents.