Understanding the Israeli Army’s Use of Air and Artillery Weapons
The use of air and artillery weapons in conflict scenarios has evolved significantly over the past decades, owing much to technological advances in guidance systems, target designation, and assessment methodologies. The Israeli Army, renowned for its high-tech military capabilities, stands out as a case study in the effective use of air and artillery platforms in both traditional and asymmetric warfare. The insightful analysis provided by the YouTube channel “ATE” CHUET TOPGUN2SPEAKER, hosted by a former French fighter pilot and military expert, offers a deep dive into the various platforms, weapons, and systems employed by the Israeli Army, especially in the recent conflict with Gaza. This blog aims to elaborate on the subject by discussing several key components that constitute the Israeli military’s arsenal and tactics.
Extensive Range of Equipment and Weaponry
The Israeli Army boasts an extensive array of military equipment, including arms, armored vehicles, artillery, missiles, planes, helicopters, and warships. Some of this equipment is procured from overseas, while many are indigenous designs developed within the country. Notable examples include the IMI Galil and Tavor assault rifles, B-300 and Spike Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), and the IAI Kfir fighter aircraft. These weapons, whether purchased or domestically produced, are integrated into the military’s operational framework and tailored for specific roles in both defense and offense.
Types of Weapons and Their Guidance Systems
The types of weapons employed in aerial and artillery strikes can range from bombs to rockets and missiles, each varying in size, weight, and guidance system. Understanding the guidance system is crucial as it significantly impacts the weapon’s accuracy and effectiveness. Guidance systems can be broadly categorized into active and passive types. Active guidance involves sensors or emitters onboard the weapon that detect or illuminate targets, such as radar homing, infrared homing, or GPS. Passive guidance uses external platforms to guide the weapon, like laser designation from ground troops or other aircraft. Each system has its unique advantages and limitations, making their selection dependent on the mission’s specific requirements.
Target Designation and Rules of Engagement
Designating targets is a complex procedure involving various intelligence sources. Targets can be pre-designated based on intelligence gathering through satellites, reconnaissance aircraft, or human informants. Alternatively, real-time designation can occur through ground troops using laser designators, drones using cameras or sensors, and aircraft using radars or electro-optical systems.
The rules of engagement (ROE) are a crucial aspect of target designation and engagement. ROEs delineate under what circumstances military forces may initiate or continue combat, taking into account various factors such as international laws and the potential for collateral damage. Decisions to open fire are not taken lightly; they are based on a comprehensive assessment that weighs the target’s tactical value against the risk of unintended damage to civilians and infrastructure.
According to Israel, its ROE are designed to comply with the principles of international humanitarian law, such as distinction, proportionality, and precaution. Israel claims that it takes all feasible measures to avoid or minimize civilian casualties, such as issuing warnings, aborting strikes, and using precision weapons. Israel also denies that it was responsible for the bombing of the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza on Tuesday, which reportedly killed 500 people. Israel has released evidence that it says shows that the explosion was caused by a failed rocket launch by Islamic Jihad, a militant group in Gaza. Israel has also accused Hamas of using civilians and civilian infrastructure as human shields and launching rockets from densely populated areas.
However, Israel’s ROE and its conduct in the conflict have been widely criticized by human rights groups, international organizations, and some governments. They have accused Israel of violating international humanitarian law by using disproportionate and indiscriminate force, targeting civilian objects, and obstructing humanitarian access. They have also questioned Israel’s evidence and accountability for the hospital bombing, calling for an independent and impartial investigation. They have urged both sides to respect international law and protect civilians in the hostilities.
Post-Strike Assessments and Corrections
After the deployment of air or artillery strikes, rigorous post-strike assessments are conducted to gauge the attack’s effectiveness and ascertain any collateral damage. This process utilizes multiple information sources like visual observations, electronic signals, and human intelligence. When the assessments indicate that the desired effects were not achieved or that unintended damage occurred, corrective actions are taken. These can range from adjustments to targeting processes to complete overhauls of the engagement strategy.
