Senior Defense Administrator Says Israel Must Prepare for War Against Precision Munitions
An article in the IDF’s publication “Maarachot” analyses the Russia-Ukraine war and draws conclusions regarding the IDF
Ami Rojkes Dombe
| 05/09/2023
Photo: Israel Ministry of Defense
An article recently published on the "Ma'arachot" defense establishment website examines the aspect of air defense in the Russia-Ukraine war and provides several insights relevant to Israel. The article was written by Lieutenant Colonel Yair, from the the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO, “Homa” in Hebrew), which is part of the Ministry of Defense.
"One area in warfare where it seems the Ukrainian air defense system is struggling to cope is dealing with precise munitions," writes Yair.
"Yet, in the low airspace, the Ukrainians achieved an impressive accomplishment by disrupting, through electronic warfare (EW), the operation of Russian helicopters and close support aircraft, in most cases even eliminating them. This achievement caused the Russians to change tactics and almost entirely abandon flying these assets over Ukraine, reducing the close support for the maneuvering force."
An interesting point in the Israeli context raised in the article relates to the economics of the munitions.
"The war has emphasized the importance of the precision of munitions, the accumulation of large quantities of precise munitions that has begun in recent years in several armies worldwide, and the ability of precise munitions to significantly challenge air defense systems and lead to high munitions consumption (each precise missile launched towards a high-value target requires the activation of countermeasures)," the article states.
The article also touches on the shift from using missiles and drones to deep strikes by the enemy, rather than manned aircraft.
"Deep strikes with various types of precise munitions (drones, ballistic missiles) may replace the need for deep strikes with manned assets. A relatively new trend that has emerged in warfare is the extensive use of precision-guided munitions (PGMs) and their ability to influence the success of attack plans, including the impact on the high munitions consumption of the opposing side.
"The simplicity of operation and the low cost of PGMs have increased their effectiveness against low-flying targets, especially helicopters and close support for advancing forces."
Considering the future need for many munitions, especially if a war develops with neighboring states or Iran, the article discusses the need for sufficient munition stockpiles.
"An effective air defense system can lead to changes in the enemy's combat tactics and even abandonment of offensive capabilities. To enable long-term defensive capabilities on one hand and conducting valuable attacks against the enemy on the other, there is significance in accumulating a large munition stockpile for both offense and defense."
The implications and recommendations for the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) based on the article are as follows:
First, Israel needs to prepare for dealing with a wide variety of precise munitions, delivered through lightweight platforms such as drones and precision-guided munitions, as well as through aerial platforms like missiles and aircraft. This includes the need to defend against precise ground-to-ground missiles over various ranges.
In addition, since Israel has not yet faced an adversary with a large arsenal of different types of precise munitions, the article recommends proactive efforts to educate the public, clarify the reasons for preparedness, and align public expectations. This includes explaining the necessary adjustments that the home front may need to make.
The article underscores the vulnerability of Israel's air defense systems and the need to protect and defend them, both during the preparation phase and throughout a conflict. This involves investing in the ability to safeguard and defend air defense systems, including improving their robustness, resilience, and reliance on detection systems.
An article in the IDF’s publication “Maarachot” analyses the Russia-Ukraine war and draws conclusions regarding the IDF
Photo: Israel Ministry of Defense
An article recently published on the "Ma'arachot" defense establishment website examines the aspect of air defense in the Russia-Ukraine war and provides several insights relevant to Israel. The article was written by Lieutenant Colonel Yair, from the the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO, “Homa” in Hebrew), which is part of the Ministry of Defense.
"One area in warfare where it seems the Ukrainian air defense system is struggling to cope is dealing with precise munitions," writes Yair.
"Yet, in the low airspace, the Ukrainians achieved an impressive accomplishment by disrupting, through electronic warfare (EW), the operation of Russian helicopters and close support aircraft, in most cases even eliminating them. This achievement caused the Russians to change tactics and almost entirely abandon flying these assets over Ukraine, reducing the close support for the maneuvering force."
An interesting point in the Israeli context raised in the article relates to the economics of the munitions.
"The war has emphasized the importance of the precision of munitions, the accumulation of large quantities of precise munitions that has begun in recent years in several armies worldwide, and the ability of precise munitions to significantly challenge air defense systems and lead to high munitions consumption (each precise missile launched towards a high-value target requires the activation of countermeasures)," the article states.
The article also touches on the shift from using missiles and drones to deep strikes by the enemy, rather than manned aircraft.
"Deep strikes with various types of precise munitions (drones, ballistic missiles) may replace the need for deep strikes with manned assets. A relatively new trend that has emerged in warfare is the extensive use of precision-guided munitions (PGMs) and their ability to influence the success of attack plans, including the impact on the high munitions consumption of the opposing side.
"The simplicity of operation and the low cost of PGMs have increased their effectiveness against low-flying targets, especially helicopters and close support for advancing forces."
Considering the future need for many munitions, especially if a war develops with neighboring states or Iran, the article discusses the need for sufficient munition stockpiles.
"An effective air defense system can lead to changes in the enemy's combat tactics and even abandonment of offensive capabilities. To enable long-term defensive capabilities on one hand and conducting valuable attacks against the enemy on the other, there is significance in accumulating a large munition stockpile for both offense and defense."
The implications and recommendations for the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) based on the article are as follows:
First, Israel needs to prepare for dealing with a wide variety of precise munitions, delivered through lightweight platforms such as drones and precision-guided munitions, as well as through aerial platforms like missiles and aircraft. This includes the need to defend against precise ground-to-ground missiles over various ranges.
In addition, since Israel has not yet faced an adversary with a large arsenal of different types of precise munitions, the article recommends proactive efforts to educate the public, clarify the reasons for preparedness, and align public expectations. This includes explaining the necessary adjustments that the home front may need to make.
The article underscores the vulnerability of Israel's air defense systems and the need to protect and defend them, both during the preparation phase and throughout a conflict. This involves investing in the ability to safeguard and defend air defense systems, including improving their robustness, resilience, and reliance on detection systems.
