Top-secret until now, the IDF has unveiled some home-grown,
hi-tech weaponry at its annual "salute to technology" fair
at Latrun.
A model of the heavy surveillance network of sensors and
cameras deployed along the Lebanon border, as well as a
detailed exhibition of the Gil new-generation antitank
rocket are some of the equipment included in the exhibit.
Until now, the Lebanon border surveillance network was a top
military secret. The network allows the IDF to see deep
inside enemy territory and its performance is not hindered
by inclement weather. It has also reportedly been deployed
in the conflict with the Palestinians.
The 4,000-square-meter exhibition at the Armored Corps
Memorial also shows for the first time a unique guidance
system called Ramam for the MLRS rocket launcher. Developed
by the IDF and in the final stage of development, it is said
to improve the accuracy of the US-made rockets tenfold. The
IDF is to start receiving the Ramam rockets shortly.
Other systems include the Merkava III main battle tank, a
number of battle-management systems, and a mock-up of a
soldier of the future. The wing-mounted SAR radar pod is
also a fresh addition to the military fair. An F-15 was also
brought in to Latrun, as well as two naval speedboats and a
model of the Arrow anti-ballistic missile.
On Monday, the IDF hosted its technical personnel there,
along with students the military wants to draw into its
technological ranks.
Major-General Yitzhak Ben-Yisrael, head of military research
and development, told military reporters at a press
conference that 25 percent of all officers in the IDF are
engineers or hold science degrees.
He said the IDF is one of the largest armies in the world --
larger than the British, French, or German armies. However,
the combined armies of Israel's neighbors are triple the
size of the IDF. To compensate, the IDF feels they must have
superior quality manpower and technology.
Ben-Yisrael said the reorganization under way in the IDF,
dubbed Idan 2000, calls for the reduction of units and
manpower and the replacement of classic weaponry like tanks
and artillery with advanced weapons, resulting in a smaller,
more forceful army.
He said the current NIS 42 billion defense budget allocates
about 10 percent to research and development, which he
claimed is less than other Western countries. He bemoaned
the brain drain which he says draws many talented engineers
and technicians away from military service at a time when
they are needed more than ever.
Each year, the IDF needs about 800 academics with degrees in
the sciences, Ben-Yisrael said. In 1999 only 400 academics
opted for a draft deferral in order to study. Since then,
the IDF has embarked on an outreach program to development
towns and disadvantaged neighborhoods. This has brought the
numbers back up to 800, he said.
