Israel's armed forces have analyzed in depth the lessons learned from the nation's two most recent conflicts--the Second Lebanon War of 2006, which led to dramatic changes in tactics and strategy, and Operation Cast Lead, the battle against Hamas in Gaza earlier this year.

One problem that emerged in both conflicts was shortcomings in artillery support, which left much to be desired when it came to range and accuracy in support of ground forces. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) made up for this in Operation Cast Lead with close air support, the benefits of which emerged from a closer partnership between ground commanders and the air force following the Second Lebanon War (see p. 33).

Close air support was also a major factor during the Gaza operation. The army is aware, however, that depending entirely on air support in future conflicts might be impractical. If Israel fights a full-scale war, air assets would likely be deployed to other roles, and there is a chance that institutional prejudices in both services could affect the current level of cooperation. More effective artillery support is needed to ensure that the IDF's new ground maneuver doctrine remains viable.

With this in mind, ground forces command recently unveiled two developments that affect the accuracy and force projection of artillery.

One is an add-on guidance system for conventional artillery projectiles that was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The upgrade, as yet unnamed, fits on shells and increases the precision of artillery fire while reducing the risk to friendly forces and minimizing collateral damage in densely populated areas.

The unit provides improvements over the current combat-validated Trajectory Correction System developed by Israel Military Industries and fielded with IDF multiple launch rocket systems. By enhancing trajectory correction and improving statistical fire accuracy in tube artillery, ground fire support becomes a major force multiplier in fire-and-movement maneuver operations.

The component has a GPS receiver and a guidance system that perform trajectory corrections during flight, achieving an average circular error probable (CEP) of 20 meters (66 ft.), regardless of range. Artillery can thus be used more economically and will require significantly less ammunition to achieve a desired effect (e.g., suppression of fire). The upgrade will also reduce logistics and risk of error, and could achieve results in as little as minutes. When coupled with the new Multi-Mode Radar developed by IAI's Elta Systems division and soon to be deployed by the artillery corps, a trajectory-corrected guided projectile will improve artillery capabilities such as rapid response and precision fire on call almost immediately after targets are detected by the radar.

While long-range artillery covers the operational sphere in a ground maneuver battle, the IDF is also looking for a close-support artillery weapon that would be on call by tactical commanders. For such a mission, IAI recently unveiled an innovative operational concept providing dismounted and maneuvering forces with precision-attack capability. The weapon is a remotely operated, vertically launched, supersonic guided missile called Jumper (see p. 8). Each launch unit contains eight missiles and a command, control and communication system, and weighs about 1.5 tons.

Launch units can be deployed by air or manned and unmanned vehicles. The system operates in unattended mode and covers a radius of 50 km. (31 mi.). Vertical launch sets a missile on course in any direction without pre-launch slewing or elevation. The launch unit can be loaded with different missiles and warheads, each stored in sealed container-launchers weighing about 90 kg. (198 lb.).

The missile is powered by a two-pulse rocket motor with low radar and acoustic signatures. Jumper uses GPS/INS guidance and has four steering surfaces on the aft section. In its basic configuration, Jumper is designed to hit stationary targets designated by geographical coordinates. Accuracy is said to be unaffected by visibility and weather. An optional laser-guidance unit enables the weapon to hit targets with greater precision, and permits a limited man-in-the-loop capability for tracking moving targets.

IAI sources report that when compared to electro-optical guidance systems, Jumper's GPS/INS unit can be produced at significantly lower cost, making the missile affordable for tactical formations down to platoons.

Photo credit: David Eshel