Israeli Military Technology
Military technology is vital for any country, especially Israel. Israel is well-known in the technology industry and as a huge contributor internationally. Israel produces a wide array of products from ammunition, small arms, to the world’s most advanced tank.
The modern defense industry began in the early 1920s in order to help repel a hostile Arab population. Israel used to depend heavily on foreign suppliers, most importantly France. During the Six-Day War in 1967, France imposed an embargo on arms sales to Israel, thus creating strong bond between Israel and the United States. This bond still exists today, as both countries cooperate to develop the most sophisticated technology in the world.
There are over 150 defense firms in Israel, employing over 50,000 people. Revenues are near $3.5 billion combined. Israel is in the top five countries in the world as an arms and military services exporter. The three largest companies in Israel are government-owned: Israel Military Industries (IMI), Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and the Rafael Arms Development Authority. All three of these companies have designed and manufactured some of the most advanced weapons in the modern military. (http://www.globalsecurity.com)
Some of the most notable military technology and equipment developed in Israel:
Uzi Submachine Gun
 "Courtesy of Israeli-Weapons" |
- First designed in the late 1940s - It weighs almost 8 pounds - It is a very inexpensive gun to produce and is very simple - IMI has made over $2 billion in profit since its inception - It has proven to be a large source of revenue for Israel with its sales in over ninety countries
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TotalTrack (video motion detection software)
 "Courtesy of IsraCast" |
- Uses advanced algorithms to automatically detect and track intruders from hundreds of meters away - Identifies movement along a designated perimeter using infrared cameras - Used in high security buildings like the Israeli Parliament - A more recent technology that has only come into use in the past couple of years is slowly gaining a spotlight and should spread rapidly - It has undergone intense testing by Israeli Special Forces and has detected 100% of the intrusions - Israel expects to bring in large revenue in the future (http://www.isracast.com)
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Nano-Armor
 "Courtesy of IsraCast" |
- Tests have proven this new armor is five times stronger than steel - Has withstood shock pressures up to 250 tons per square centimeter - Inorganic fullerene, or IF, is the key to this technology of the future - Fullerene is molecules that are entirely made-up of carbon, but IF is also composed of inorganic elements as well - The advantage of IF is that it is chemically stable, much easier and cheaper to produce, and is highly less reactive - This is a technology of the future that can significantly protect lives by being used as protective gear and armor - It is expected to reach full-scale production by the end of 2007, creating several tons of the new material each day - Developed by ApNano materials in Israel looks to bring in huge amounts of revenue in the future, helping bolster the Israeli economy (http://www.isracast.com) |
Flight Guard
 Cockpit Control Panel
All photos courtesy of Israeli-Weapons |
- Designed to protect any type of
airplane, whether it is commercial or military - It has already been sold internationally and saved many lives and crew members - Once it detects an incoming missile, it warns the crew and automatically diverts the missile by deploying countermeasures, which are flares that burn for a couple of seconds - Flight Guard detects the heat signature of the missiles by antennas that are placed all around the exterior of the plane - It costs significantly less than $1 million dollars per system and could eventually be reduced to $500,000 per aircraft - The system is fully automatic, with the ability to operate in all weather conditions as well as utilize 360 degree coverage around the aircraft |
 Flares Dispenser |
 Antenna Array |
Arrow 2 Ballistic Missile Defense System
 Arrow Missile Launcher
All photos courtesy of IsraCast |
- First missile developed by Israel to
intercept and destroy ballistic missiles on a national level - The project began in 1986 as a cooperative venture between the United States and Israel - The first operational system was brought to the Palmachim Airbase on the Mediterranean coast in March 2000 - The system consists of six missile tubes that can be fired at six separate targets - Contracts have been awarded to Israeli and American companies - This system detects threats utilizing the Elta Green Pine radar system. It can track targets over 500km away - The defense system should repel many Scud missile attacks, creating a safer environment in Israel - Through this joint venture with the United States, Israeli companies have been exposed to new markets worldwide, helping acquire new clients - Israel is the only country in the world with an operational anti-ballistic missile defense system (http://www.isracast.com) |
 Green Pine Radar System |
 Arrow Missile After Launch |
Hunter Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
 RQ-5A Hunter
All photos courtesy of Israeli-Weapons |
- Capable of carrying out the following objectives: real-time imagery intelligence, artillery adjustment, battle damage assessment, reconnaissance and surveillance, target acquisition and battlefield observation - US Army initiated a programme in 1989 for these types of vehicles and Israel delivered the systems in 1993 - There are multiple types of these unmanned aerial vehicles that are used today - Cooperation mainly between US and Israeli defense companies - All of the vehicles are controlled by a Ground Control Station (http://www.usatoday.com) |
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MQ-5B Hunter |
 Ground Control Station |
Merkava Tank
 "Courtesy of Israeli-Weapons" |
- Its design dates back to the 1960s when
it was first theorized - The Merkava I was utilized in the 1982 Lebanon War and it has been evolving ever since - Its crew consists of four people: tank commander, driver, loader, and a gunner, and it can carry up to eight others - The turret is in the back of the tank, giving maximum protection to the crew, as well as creating additional storage capacity - The primary components are produced by Israeli owned and operated companies, but many other parts come from foreign companies like Motorola, Caterpillar, and DuPont - The Merkava IV fires 120 millimeter rounds from its turret - There are many other variations of this tank that have been developed by Israel, including the Tankbulance, Armored Recovery Vehicle, and an Armored Personnel Carrier |
Tactical High-Energy Laser
 "Courtesy of Israeli-Weapons" |
- Also known as the Nautilus laser system - Designed by the Israeli government and eventually built on July 18, 1996 - Very cost effective, costing approximately $3,000 dollars per use - It is designed to eliminate short to medium-range threats, with a 100% probability of success within 5 km - The next step is to design a transportable laser system - Some setbacks include highly advanced weapons with heat hardening and reflective coating of the projectiles - It is believed that within the next two years, a mobile version would be available to help repel SCUD missiles, as well as cruise missiles in Israel
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Israel has been faced with various military threats over the years, which has caused Israel to change its military strategy. The struggle that has been going on in Israel since its creation in 1948 is the struggle for land security. When it comes to peace, negotiations can only achieve so much when other countries are not afraid of you. Because of this, Israel has devoted large resources, in conjunction with the United States, to help bolster a more sophisticated mix of defense tactics.
Although never tested, Israel does maintain the ability to use nuclear weapons as a deterrent. Israel barely acknowledges the fact that they have a nuclear arsenal. This being said, much of their research and development is focused on high-tech anti-missile systems. Israel's goal is to minimize the deaths of its soldiers by using sophisticated guided missiles. Many other countries have taken interest in their defense industry.
The United States has been utilizing many Israeli developments. Israel developed the fuel tanks used on the Marines' Harrier jets, as well as the targeting systems for the Army's Hunter drones. Although Israel has been asked by the Bush administration to stay out of the conflict in Iraq, so not to provoke Arab and Muslim hostility toward Israel, Israel supplies much of the technology that is used to fight the war. Although the technology was developed in Israel or through joint ventures with the United States, most of the equipment is actually manufactured in the United States through subsidiaries of Israeli companies.
Israel maintains its position in the top 5 for arms exporters. Its clients include Turkey, India, Brazil, Canada, and Germany. Arms exports are a huge contribution to the Israeli economy as well as to the lives of Israeli citizens.
Although Israel supplies weapons and technology all over the world, its main focus is on protecting itself. Every day, breakthroughs are being made, helping to stabilize the country and the surrounding environment in the Middle East. Israeli citizens feel much safer from terrorist attacks, as well as ones from other countries. As we move through this difficult time in the Middle East, Israel has the abilities, more so now than before, to repel these attacks and protect the population.
Military service is mandatory in Israel, and it is a part of everyone's life. Many are much more relieved and happier knowing how advanced their technology is compared to its enemies. Some of the most exciting technology aside from the anti-missile batteries is the Nano Armor. Once in use, it could save thousands of lives each year, making Israel a landmark in military warfare.
Link to Learn about Yad Vashem in Israel
Website By:
Jeremy Ulan
Trinity College
Professor Polate
Jewish Studies 225: Modern Israeli Culture
4/24/07
