The Israeli army and its Defense Ministry are increasing efforts to counter the growing threat of FPV drones used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, after several deadly attacks against Israeli soldiers, according to Israeli media.
On Tuesday, Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot reported that Israeli authorities were reviewing more than 100 technological proposals to address what security officials describe as one of the “most deadly and complex” challenges of the current conflict.
Pigeon
On Saturday, the Israeli public channel KAN revealed one of these solutions, indicating that the army had recently deployed hundreds of intelligent “Pigyon” (“Dagger” in Hebrew) sights to troops operating in southern Lebanon in order to to improve their ability to target FPV drones.
The system, known in English as “SMASH Fire Control System” and developed by the Israeli company Smart Shooter, is based on aiming technology assisted by artificial intelligence. According to its designers, it makes it possible to lock on and track aerial or terrestrial targets, in particular small drones, and only triggers fire when the chances of impact are maximum.
Détection & destruction
According to Yediot Ahronot, new “detection kits” must be distributed to units operating in southern Lebanon in order to allow soldiers to spot drones a few seconds before impact, while the military often claims to only see them at the last moment.
Among the solutions studied also include electrified fences inspired by Ukrainian models, designed to cut the fiber optic cables used by certain drones, as well as weapons firing nets to neutralize devices in flight.
The Israeli authorities are also testing fragmented munitions intended to widen the impact zone against these small devices, as well as several models of interceptor drones. According to Yediot Ahronot, six different systems are currently in the advanced stages of testing, some designed to directly impact opposing drones, while others use nets or proximity explosive charges.
Even if no operational interception has yet been reported in the field, several tests have been conclusive on test sites. The Israeli authorities hope to integrate these systems into the equipment of front-line units by the end of the year.
