Autor fotografie: Elbit Systems, Public domain|Popisek: PULS on Tatra chassis
Some years ago a former Israeli defense minister was lobbying to form a dedicated ground-ground rocket unit in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
The original plan was not implemented but Israeli made very advanced ground-ground rockets have become a major weapon used by the IDF in the ever growing attacks on Iranian related targets in Syria, but not only. Most of these rockets are manufactured by Elbit systems and are now creating huge interest in the world. Some years ago, Elbit purchased the legacy weapon manufacturer, Israeli Military Industries (IMI). The dedicated ground-ground unit in the IDF was not formed but rockets, most of them made by Elbit are used almost every day in different arenas.
Predator Hawk designed to destroy high priority targets over 300 km
Israeli sources told Security&Defence that the ongoing war will without any doubt "put the issue back on the table with the highest priority." Elbit is cooperating with other Israeli defence companies to improve its ground-ground missiles capabilities. Some years ago we developed in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) an air launched missile dubbed Rampage. Elbit used this technology and based on it, developed versions for ground and sea launch and they will become operational soon.
"I cannot go into details but this will increase the flexibility of this missile in different arenas. The new version will have velocities of much higher than the speed of sound an'd longer ranges." A company source said. The rockets have been exported to a great number of countries and I asked the CEO what are the main operational demands of these clients are? One good example for the ground-ground rockets made by Elbit is the Predator Hawk, designed to destroy high priority targets in ranges of up to 300 km. According to the company, the supersonic rocket carries a 140 kg warhead and features a CEP of less than 10 meters.
The PULS launcher
One good example for the capabilities offered by the land systems division of Elbit is the PULS. The PULS is a launcher carried by a heavy truck and capable of launching different types of rockets, to ranges of up to 300 km. According to the official Elbit brochure "The multi-purpose launcher features two PODS; each POD is designed for a specific rocket type: the Accular 122mm (18 rockets) with a range of up to 35km, the Accular 160mm (10 rockets) with a range of up to 40km, the EXTRA (4 rockets) with a range of up to 150km and the Predator Hawk (2 rockets) with a range of up to 300km".
The PULS creates interest in many countries and recently it was reported that the Royal Army of the Netherlands is going to equip its ground unit with the Elbit system. Elbit has taken this system some steps forward and recently unveiled the Light PULS. This according to the company is a "lightweight airborne version rocket launcher system developed to meet the battlefield challenges of Special Forces operating in remote, high-risk locations that are beyond the range of traditional artillery fire support".
According to the Israeli company , this light version can be transported by a C-130 or similar aircraft. This version creates interest in some countries and Israeli defense sources say that the U.S subsidiary of Elbit is evaluating its potential in the American market. Elbit says that this version can carry up to 8 Accular 122mm guided precision rockets, with a range of up to 35km. This 122 mm rocket was developed for use in urban fighting areas and the official brochure says it features a range of 40 km.
Elbit's was reluctant to describe the use of the IDF in the division's ground-ground rockets. The production lines of the Land division are busy and shipments of products are being sent on a daily basis to the IDF and as mentioned before, to clients all over the world. At this point almost all the production is aimed at the artillery units of the IDF. This as these systems are heavily used in the ongoing war. The currently Elbit made ground- ground rockets , are actually highly accurate missiles with very advanced guiding sensor , very advanced warheads and other operational advantages that explain the growing demand in Israel and the world.
Air launched missiles
The technology that has been accumulated by the company first as a state owned manufacturer and since it became a public company allows the IDF and other armed forces to strike targets from long ranges with very high accuracy. While the ground-ground rockets made by Elbit are now in focus again, the company keeps upgrading existing systems that are air launched. One good example is the Delilah air launched missile. This platform was originally developed as an air decoy and through the years became one of Israel's most advanced air launched weapon systems. According to foreign media reports this weapon system has been used in many Israeli air strikes against targets in Lebanon and Syria.
According to the company this missile also described as a loitering weapon system, can be launched from fighter aircraft, helicopters , ships and also from the ground. The system has a 250 km range and carries a 30 kg warhead.
By Arie Egozi