Michael Oren + Iron Fist + Trophy = Good News!

Iron Fist

The IDF Ground Forces Command has declared the Trophy anti-tank missile defense system operational, following a series of tests last week that surpassed expectations for the system's capabilities, it was revealed on Thursday.

The Trophy anti-tank missile defense system in action.
Photo: Courtesy: IDF

The Trophy system, developed by Rafael, creates a hemispheric protected zone around armored vehicles such as the Merkava tank, which operated prominently in Lebanon. The system is designed to detect and track a threat and counter it with a launched projectile that intercepts the anti-tank missile.

The test was held last week in an IDF base in the South. The system was installed on old tanks and was tested in two positions - static and in motion. According to defense officials, it succeeded in intercepting all of the enemy anti-tank missiles.

Foreign military attachés from around the world were present at the test site and have expressed interest in possibly purchasing the system for their militaries.

The IDF sped up development of the Trophy following the Second Lebanon War, during which Merkava tanks came under heavy anti-tank missile fire from Hizbullah. The Trophy has already been installed on a number of Merkava Mk IV tanks in the 401st Armored Brigade, and by the end of the year will be automatically installed on tanks that come off the production line.

While the Trophy will be installed on tanks, the IDF recently announced plans to equip the Namer armored personnel carrier with the Iron Fist missile defense system, developed by Israel Military Industries.

The Iron Fist consists of a radar and passive optical system that detect incoming threats and destroy them by using a combustible blast interceptor within a fraction of a second. Unlike the Trophy, which fires off a large number of projectiles, the Iron Fist intercepts incoming threats by using a rocket in the shape of a mortar, which destroys the threat by using a blast effect that crushes its soft components or deflects the missile or kinetic rod in flight.

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Egyptian paper: Israel's US ambassador is a dangerous man...

( Good news! Now I can go to sleep peacefully!! )

Published:

08.06.09, 23:57 / Israel News

Official Egyptian newspaper al-Akhbar warns that Israel's Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren is "the most dangerous man in Washington."

The newspaper writes ahead of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's visit to the White House that Oren "is very active in the American arena and has very good ties, which may strengthen the strategic relations between the US and Israel."

(Yitzhak Behorin, Washington)

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Soldier severely wounded by accidental shooting

Published:

08.06.09, 22:29 / Israel News

A soldier belonging to the Golani Brigade (51) severely injured after being shot accidentally in the back. Authorities suspect the shot was fired accidentally by another soldier who was playing... with his rifle. His family has been notified.

(Hagai Einav)

Friendly fire again?

We just buried Uriel today in Jerusalem !

What is happening up there on the Golan?