Israel Luncurkan INS Drakon Kapal Selam Baru dan Modern

27 Agustus 2023

INS Drakon kapal selam terbaru Israel (photo : Helwin Scharn)

Sejak diluncurkan diam-diam pada pekan pertama Agustus lalu di galangan kapal TKMS di Kiel, Jerman, kapal selam Israel terbaru INS Drakon (=Dragon) terus menuai perhatian karena berukuran lebih besar dari tiga unit kelas Dolphin-I (57,3m, 1.900ton) dan dua unit kelas Dolphin-II (68,6m, 2.400ton) pendahulunya.

Analisis lambung kapal kelas Drakon (photo : HI Sutton)

Kapal selam kelas Dolphin-II telah memiliki lambung yang lebih panjang dibandingkan dengan Dolphin-I asli karena telah dilengkapi AIP (air independent propultion). Sisipan AIP pada lambung kapal membuat ukuran kapal selam kelas Dolphin-II lebih panjang sekitar 10 meter (33 kaki) dan dengan bobot tambahan 500 ton saat terendam. Sedangkan untuk kapal selam INS Drakon ini, HI Sutton memperkirakan panjangnya mencapai 74 m (243 ft).

Sail kapal selam INS Drakon (image :Richard)

Kapal pendahulu INS Drakon dalam kelas Dolphin-II telah dilengkapi dengan tabung torpedo 6×533 mm, dan tabung torpedo 4×650 mm. Tabung torpedo ukuran 533mm digunakan untuk torpedo SeaHake Mod 4 (jangkauan 50km), versi ekspor dari DM2A4 Seehecht. Atlas Elektronik telah berhasil meningkatkan jangkauan torpedo ini hingga 140km namun belum ada konfirmasi bahwa Israel telah membeli seri SeaHake Mod4ER.

Tabung torpedo ukuran 650mm digunakan untuk meluncurkan rudal jelajah dan swimmer delivery vehicles (SDV) yang membawa perenang tempur. Jenis rudal jelajah yang digunakan Israel adalah Popeye Turbo buatan Rafael, setelah sebelumnya Israel mengajukan pembelian rudal jejajah Tomahawk SLCM namun ditolak AS pada masa pemerintahan Bill Clinton. Rudal jelajah Popeye Turbo versi SLCM bertenaga turbofan dengan jangkauan setidaknya mencapai 1.500km (932 mil) dan diyakini diisi dengan hulu ledak bermuatan nuklir.

 

Cutaway kapal selam INS Drakon (image : NavalNews)

Yang lebih mencolok dari INS Drakon adalah ukuran "Sail" (conning tower) yang jauh lebih besar. Ini menimbulkan beberapa spekulasi tentang apa yang terdapat dalam Sail tersebut. Salah satu analisis berasal dari Matus Smutny "The Warzone)" sebagai berikut :

Jika Sail yang diperbesar dimaksudkan untuk menampung rudal, maka Sail tersebut akan mengakomodasi sel sistem peluncuran vertikal (VLS). Ini dapat digunakan untuk meluncurkan rudal jelajah tambahan, untuk menambah kapasitas keseluruhannya. Secara signifikan memperluas jangkauan rudal dan meningkatkan kemampuan rudal Popeye Turbo akan memberi Israel kemampuan untuk meluncurkan rudal jelajah tambahan; menyerang target dalam jarak yang lebih jauh, yang akan meningkatkan kemampuan pencegahan serangan-kedua negara tersebut secara signifikan. Rudal-rudal ini mungkin terlalu panjang untuk disimpan dan dikerahkan secara vertikal dari lambung kapal, namun VLS yang memanjang melalui Sail akan mampu mengakomodasi panjangnya. Gabungan senjata-senjata yang diperbarui ini sekarang, dan mungkin rudal balistik di kemudian hari, juga merupakan sebuah kemungkinan.

Mock-up rudal jelajah Popeye Turbo (photo : CSIS)

Analisis lain dari NavalNews menyebutkan bahwa memiliki tabung torpedo untuk rudal jelajah bersenjata nuklir dan tabung peluncuran vertikal (VLS) mungkin akan mengejutkan para analis. Ini menunjukkan bahwa rudal baru bukanlah pengganti langsung untuk rudal jelajah.

Salah satu penjelasannya adalah bahwa senjata baru tidak akan siap sampai kapal selam memasuki layanan. Memang, Drakon dapat digunakan untuk menguji misil baru. Jadi mempertahankan tabung torpedo memungkinkan pencegahan nuklir lanjutan selama transisi. Mungkin satu set misil akan dipersenjatai secara konvensional dan yang lainnya dipersenjatai nuklir. Ini akan memungkinkan misi serangan darat sambil mempertahankan pencegahan nuklir.

Drakon adalah kapal selam antara sebelum Israel menggunakan kapal selam kelas yang lebih baru lagi. Israel telah memesan tiga kapal selam baru kelas Drakar dari TKMS pada bulan Januari 2022 dengan desain lambung yang mengadopsi kelas Drakon.

(Defense Studies)

Elbit Systems' MUSIC Test Successfully Protects C295 from Missile Threats

29 November 2015

As part of the 2015 exercise the Israeli MUSIC DIRCM system was tested, utilizing an operational system integrated on an Airbus C295 aircraft, along with the Passive Airborne Warning System (PAWS) IR-based missile warning system, both systems are made by Elbit Systems. (photos : Defense Update, Elbit Systems)

MUSIC Demonstrates Laser DIRCM Capability

The MUSIC family of Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) systems was demonstrated recently at the annual, multinational EMBOW exercise held at the Bundeswehr WTD91 test site in Meppen, Germany last month. The annual exercise evaluates different capabilities to protect aircraft against Man Portable Air Defense missile threats (MANPADS).

The exercise is conducted under live and monitored and instrumented conditions, by the NATO 3rd NAFAG Air Capability Group SG/2, enabling pilots and engineers to evaluate the capability of aircraft and countermeasures to defeat infrared-guided surface-to-air missiles, from basic Manpads to more advanced surface to air short-range systems (SHORADS).

As part of the 2015 exercise the Israeli MUSIC DIRCM system was tested, utilizing an operational system integrated on an Airbus C295 aircraft, along with the Passive Airborne Warning System (PAWS) IR-based missile warning system, both systems are made by Elbit Systems.

During the tests, conducted by a multi-national NATO team, a C295 aircraft with an operationally installed EW self-protection suite successfully demonstrated the capability to detect, acquire, track and jam the trial test equipment on the ground, under extreme conditions. According to the system developers, the initial assessment of the results highlighted that the system has the capability to successfully jam MANPADS (infra- red, ground to air heat seeking Man-Portable Missiles) from the first, second and third generation, using generic NATO jam codes.

The demonstration was a joint project of Elbit Systems and Airbus Defence & Space (Spain). It was widely supported by the Israeli MoD, the Spanish Air Force and NAFAG ACG3 SG/2 (NATO Air Forces Armaments Group, Air Capability Group 3, Sub Group 2), which is the NATO group responsible for the development and validation of air platform protection solutions.

Elbit Systems’ MUSIC family of DIRCM systems integrate an advanced fiber laser technology together with a high rate thermal tracking camera and a small, highly dynamic mirror turret to provide effective, reliable and affordable protection to all types of aircraft and under all operational conditions.

The PAWS family of combat proven missile warning systems uses IR to reliably and rapidly detect the most advanced threats in all flight conditions.

Elbit Systems is currently under contract to supply more than 110 DIRCM systems to over ten customers, for installation on 20 different fixed and rotary-wing platform types.

The MUSIC family of DIRCMs have been extensively and successfully tested by various countries and are in full scale production for several NATO customers, including Germany and Italy. In Brazil, Israel and other countries the MUSIC systems are integrated on military, VIP and commercial helicopters and other fixed-wing aircraft. The systems are also fully operational with Israel’s commercial aviation fleet, protecting commuter jet aircraft serving domestic and international destinations.

(Defense Updates)

Israel Introduces 72m Mini-Corvette Design

04 Juni 2013

The military version of SAAR S-72 mini corvette will be able to carry the latest weaponry required for a modern navy (image : Defense Update)

Israel Shipyards Introduces the SAAR 72 Mini-Corvette Design

Israel Shipyards is expanding the SAAR class of missile boats, extending the range from missile boats into ‘Mini Corvette’ class vessels. The new class is addressing the growing requirements of Israel and other nations in extending maritime control and sovereignty far from their territorial waters. Defense-Update reports from IMDEX 2013.

The Israel Navy is required to expand the security and responsibility over much larger area while doing that with an ageing  fleet of Saar 4, 4.5 missile boats and 5 corvettes. If only to maintain the numbers of boats in service, the Israel Navy will require several new vessels in the coming years. Many of these vessels are becoming obsolete – some of the oldest missile boats in service – INS Atzmaut (Independence) and INS Nitzahon (Victory) are reaching 35 years in service – an age considered the end of service life for such boats. Therefore, new platforms will be required in the near future. Through the years the Navy acquired 20 Saar 4/4.5 vessels, but the cash-strapped service could not afford to buy larger vessels, and, therefore limited the procurement of the larger Saar 5 corvettes to the three vessels built in the U.S. funded by Washington’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS).

Saar 72 has 72m in length and 800 ton in displacement (image : Defense Update) 

The new Saar S-72 unveiled by Israel Shipyard at the recent IMDEX event in Singapore fits between the Navy’s existing Saar 4.5 missile boats, and Saar 5 corvettes. Through the years Israel Shipyards have built 33 Saar 4 and 4.5 class missile boats; 20 were delivered to the Israel Navy over the years. With the new Mini Corvette the shipyard hopes to expand it’s offering to meet the evolving requirements, of the Israel Navy, as well as of international customers overseas.

For Coast Guards and non-military operations the S-72 is a new platform that better fits the category of Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV). For naval applications the same 800-ton vessel can be finished as a versatile ‘Mini Corvette’. Both are highly applicable to asymmetric warfare at sea, providing sufficient space for command and control, accommodation for special task forces on military or counter terror missions, or supporting rapid response or rescue operations. The large hangar stores a medium size helicopter and UAVs. The adjacent 15 meter long flight deck supports medium size helicopters up to AW139 class. The vessel is configured with loading crane, storage and berth deploying rubber boats / RHIB’s or unmanned surface vessels.

The hangar stores a medium size helicopter and UAVs. The flight deck supports medium size helicopters. The loading crane could store and deploying RHIB’s or UUV. (image : Defense Update)

In the military configuration the Saar-72 will offer a significant upgrade over the current Saar 4.5 – in performance and combat capabilities. Applied with a slanted stealth finish, recessed exhausts, and radar integrated mast, designed to host both emitters (radar, EW) and passive sensors (ESM) without interference. The vessel can accommodate the IAI Elta EL/M-2258 Advanced lightweight Phased Array (ALPHA) multi-mission naval radar, designed for blue water and littoral warfare support. This radar was selected by the Israel Navy for the upgrading of existing vessels as well as for its new combatants. The vessel can carry different weapons, including IAI’s Barak 8 type missiles, various anti-ship missiles and precision surface attack weapons. The naval configuration is also fitted with an advanced naval gun.

Saar 72 type vessels are designed with spacious accommodation to 50 crew members plus 20 additional accommodations for passengers or special troops. It is equipped to sail on a 21 day missions, with mission range above 3000 NM.

Sources at the Israeli shipyard said they can complete the design and construction of the lead S-72/Saar-72 ship within a period of 30 months, and produce follow-on vessels in eight months. The shipyard can build the 72m’ vessel with its current facilities, but to accommodate the 85 meter version some expansions will be necessary.

(Defense Update)

Jerusalem Blocking Multi-Million Russia Drone Deal

13 Juni 2010

IAI's Heron, the medium range UAV (photo : Militaryphotos)

Move could scupper plans for joint $200 million UAV factory in Russia

The brakes have been put on talks between Israel Aerospace Industries and Russia over sales and the joint production of unmanned aerial vehicles, according to Israeli defense sources who wish to remain anonymous. They say the parties are negotiating to build a plant in Russia for the pilotless aircraft to the tune of $300 million to $400 million, as well as the outright sale of IAI-built drones to Russia.

Recent news reports have said that IAI and Russia are planning a $200 million UAV factory and that the Israeli company plans to sell Russia an unspecified number of UAVs in the wake of its sale about a year ago of three such aircraft to Moscow for around $50 million.

The sources attribute the current backpedaling to hesitation about the deal in the Foreign Ministry and the Prime Ministry's Office, which have yet to give their approval. Washington has also requested clarifications about the deal, which is considered particularly sensitive.

The sensitive part concerns the transfer of technology to Russia, which despite its attempts has failed to crack the secret of building silent UAVs. While no one is talking about giving the Russians the plans for the most advanced pilotless aircraft in the arsenal of the Israel Defense Forces, a deal would represent a technological advance for the Russians. Neither Jerusalem nor Washington wants the technology to end up in the hands of Israel's enemies.

In the background, raising tensions, are reports of talks between Moscow and Tehran over the potential sale of Russian missiles to Iran. On the other hand, the West has an interest in heightening its strategic ties with Russia in the event of a regional confrontation in the future.

Ruslan Pukhov, director of the Moscow research institute the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, was quoted last week in Western news reports as saying that Russia stands to buy $12 billion worth of arms from European and Israeli firms, including IAI.

(Hareetz)

Israel has Successfully Tests Tank Defence System for Merkava IV Tank

8 Agustus 2009

Israel Tests Merkava IV Tank Defence System

The Trophy anti-tank missile defense system in action (photo : IDF)

The Israeli Army has successfully conducted a series of tests on the defence system for its Merkava IV tank, built to intercept and destroy a wide range of anti-tank missiles from a long distance.

During the test, anti-tank missiles, rockets and different types of artillery were successfully intercepted and destroyed by the new system, even while the tank was moving.

The defence system can create a hemispherical protected zone around the tank, detecting and tracking a hostile missile and then intercepting it by launching a projectile.

The system was developed by the Defence Ministry and the Rafael Armaments Development Authority.

The Armoured Corps will have the new system installed in its battalion of tanks by 2010.

(Army Technology)

Trophy Tank Defense System Operational

Firing seequence of the Trophy showing pre-intercept, detonation and sympathetic explosion of the AT-3 Malyutka (Sagger) type threat (photo : Defense Update)

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 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 Trophy Active Defense System (ADS) was developed by RAFAEL under an Israel Defense Research & Development Directorate (DRDD) support (photo : Defense Update)

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

(Jerusalem Post)

See Also :

Trophy Completes Integration to Retrofit the Merkava Mk4 Tank

Merkava IV MBT with Trophy system (photo : Defense Update)

In August 2009 Israel's first operational Merkava Mk4 tanks were declared operational mounting the Trophy Active Protection System (APS). Following a slow process that almost killed the program prior to the 2006 Lebanon War, the Israeli Ministry of Defense funded the trophy's integration with current Merkava Mk4 tanks as a retrofit. An APS will also be integrated into the Merkava based Namer Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV), scheduled for delivery next year.

However, it is not yet certain if the APS will be the Trophy or IMI's Iron Fist which is also under development. In fact, the IDF hasn't finalized its decision about how many and which types of APS it will field throughout the entire force. A mix of systems could prove valuable against a wide range of potential threats expected in medium and high intensity warfare.

Integrated Trophy into Merkava Mk4 turret (photo : Defense Update)

These images show the Trophy fully integrated into the Merkava Mk4 turret, showing the target acquisition radar, and the interceptor module (note deflector plates behind the interceptor. These are probably used to protect the crew from debris resulting from the Trophy effect. Similar deflectors were visible on the Sherif configured Stryker Vehicle which also mounted the Trophy).

During the first months of 2009 the Trophy system went through comprehensive operational testing and was cleared for operational use after a successful operational firing test conducted early August 09. By the end of the year all new Merkava Mk4 tanks will be equipped with the system. Until then, Trophy is being retrofitted to operational tanks.

(Defense Update)