|
Budget constraints dictate a pragmatic
approach as far as autonomous combat robots are concerned. It
considered the contributions of such autonomously navigated vehicles
in rather limited, mission-specific tasks. These will initially
include perimeter security and border patrols but could later be
enhanced to specific roles in
force protection. The Directorate of
Defense Research & development (DDR&D) is the IMOD authority on
advanced technologies R&D. The directorate defined unmanned systems
and particularly, their security application of Unmanned Ground
Vehicles (UGV) as one of the focus areas for future developments,
primarily in specific technologies such as navigation, obstacle
handling, object investigation and communications. "Our vision is to
keep the humans out of danger but within the loop" says
DDR&D deputy director, Brig. Gen. (ret) Yakov Nagel,
"With full capability to patrol, detect an incident and identify a
threat, the robot will be able to alert the command post and engage
the target with the most appropriate effect". These technologies will
not be limited to the security application alone, but could be used in
various manned or unmanned platforms and systems.
Research and development is invested in the
modernization and evolution of command and control systems,
particularly those designed for the lower combat echelons. Such
systems are providing better, more integrated environment, creating an
up-to-the-minute situational picture, based on fresh intelligence and
live imagery, enabling rapid target engagement. "The Israeli
Battle
Management Systems (BMS) are unique in their capability to integrate
weapons and effectors empowering commanders at all levels with
flexible means and effects" says Nagel. "This capability can be
demonstrated throughout the combat level elements, from the tank to
the individual soldier upward". Many of the IDF's C4ISR activities
initiated from DDR&D programs, including the
Digital Army Program
(designated 'Zayad'), the Weapon Integrated Battle Management System,
and future software based combat net radio and the infantry combat
suit.
This chapter is part of an article titled:
"Israel Refine R&D to
Support Asymmetric Warfare"
More topics in this article:
|
