New IDF tanks to come equipped with missile defense system
By Anshel Pfeffer, Haaretz Correspondent
The Armored Corps this week announced the first active tank defense system, "Windbreaker," is now operational.
Israel Defense Forces ground troops conducted a successful pilot of the system last week in conjunction with the defense contractors who developed it, in front of international military observers.
The Windbreaker tracks incoming anti-tank missiles and launches a small rocket to destroy them a few dozen meters from the tank itself. The rocket system was purchased after the Second Lebanon War, when dozens of IDF tanks were damaged by Hezbollah anti-tank missiles. All new Merkava tanks are expected to be equipped with the system by the end of 2010.
By Anshel Pfeffer, Haaretz Correspondent
The Armored Corps this week announced the first active tank defense system, "Windbreaker," is now operational.
Israel Defense Forces ground troops conducted a successful pilot of the system last week in conjunction with the defense contractors who developed it, in front of international military observers.
The Windbreaker tracks incoming anti-tank missiles and launches a small rocket to destroy them a few dozen meters from the tank itself. The rocket system was purchased after the Second Lebanon War, when dozens of IDF tanks were damaged by Hezbollah anti-tank missiles. All new Merkava tanks are expected to be equipped with the system by the end of 2010.
The IDF on Thursday launched an investigation into the death of Armored Corps Sgt. Uriel Liwerant, who was killed in a tank accident on Wednesday. The Army is probing the possibility that Liwerant had been sitting out of the tank turret when the Merkava overturned, contrary to the safety regulations.
The tank flipped over during a training accident in the Golan Heights, killing Liwerant and injuring three others. The tank commander is supposed to have only his head out of the turret when passing over a ditch, so that he can enter the turret quickly if the tank overturns.
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The tank flipped over during a training accident in the Golan Heights, killing Liwerant and injuring three others. The tank commander is supposed to have only his head out of the turret when passing over a ditch, so that he can enter the turret quickly if the tank overturns.
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