In the fight against Hamas, for the first time, the IDF adopted a new type of precision** called "Iron Thorn". This precision laser and GPC mortar shell, developed by the Israeli Ministry of Defense in conjunction with the Elbit system, can effectively target and destroy the enemy without destroying the population and the surrounding environment. The introduction of this system is a major progress made by Israel in the science and technology of the army, and it has also caused many debates and questions.
What are the characteristics of the "Iron Thorn" missile defense system?
The main armament of the "Iron Thorn" series is a 120 mm caliber mortar, which has strong accuracy and penetration. The system is capable of delivering precise strikes at a wide range of bullet types at distances ranging from 1 km to 12 km. This material can also penetrate two layers of reinforced cement, which gives them an advantage in urban warfare. In addition, "Iron Spike" can provide users with different battle plans according to the town and open area.
How did the "Iron Thorn" develop?
The "Iron Thorn" was developed by the Defense R&D Department of the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Israel Defense Forces Army more than a decade ago. Elbit is Israel's leading enterprise in the defense industry, and it is also an important supplier of the "Iron Spike" system. Yanif Rotem, director of the U.S. Department of Defense's Armaments and Technology Infrastructure Development Agency, called the Iron Spike system "groundbreaking," saying it would allow soldiers to achieve accuracy that was previously only available on missiles and in the air**. In March 2021, the system passed the test and was used in combat for the first time.
How is the confrontation between Israel and Hamas, the "iron thorn" system doing?
In the war between Israel and Hamas, the "Iron Spike" system played a very key role, proving its innovation and effectiveness. The elite army of the IDF inflicted an "iron stab" strike on Hamas's rocket launchers in the Gaza Strip and dealt an effective blow to it. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has also released a video showing the true role of the Iron Spike and minimizing the danger it poses to civilians. Colonel Omar Cohen, a commander from the Marglan Army, praised the Iron Spike system, its precision, lethality, and its professionalism in fighter jets. He also disclosed that under the air cooperation with the United States, the "iron thorn" is an important component, and a large number of terrorist acts have been destroyed in a variety of ways. In this battle, the Iron Spike missile is said to have killed more than 100 spies in Gaza.
What is the importance of the Iron Spike missile for the Israeli military?
The Iron Thorn "gives Israeli forces a new strategic benefit, allowing them to accomplish their missions more efficiently, such as against Hamas and Allah in Lebanon." This precise and flexible system allows Israeli forces to respond appropriately to a variety of circumstances, thus minimizing unnecessary conflict and**. In a speech in March, then-US Secretary of Defense Benny Gantz said that the "Iron Spike" missile "revolutionized the entire battlefield" and opened a new era of precision warfare.
What kind of repercussions did the appearance of "Iron Thorn" cause in the world?
The use of the "iron spur" has also sparked much debate and criticism, especially when the International Criminal Tribunal opened an initial investigation into potential war crimes committed by Israel in the 2014 Gaza conflict. The war, which claimed the lives of hundreds of people, has drawn condemnation of Israel's misuse of military force. Israel rejected this, insisting that its actions were motivated by defensive and counter-terrorism considerations. Israel also highlighted the sophistication and technology it employs, as well as its efforts to prevent people from being injured. However, such a statement did not eliminate complaints and doubts from all over the world.
As tensions between the two sides grow and conflict intensifies, Israel is likely to launch a military assault on Gaza in response to Hamas's attack in southern Israel on 7 October. This means that the "iron thorn" system may replay its role in future wars, or rekindle controversy and debate.
This thing looks lofty, but in fact it is a missile that can carry out precise guidance of mortar shells of 120 mm caliber, **the one on the right**, which is one of our country's kinds, which is already in service with the army.