IDF Testing New System to Intercept Mortar Shells

The IDF is testing out an Israeli-designed “Green Rock" radar system that can spot the source of mortar fire and allow potential victims to run for cover before they weapons hit their targets.

Israel lost four soldiers on Monday when a Hamas mortar shell slammed into a building near the Gaza border, claiming four more lives and injuring six others.

The Elta subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has been working on the system for several years and sped up their deployment for the IDF since the beginning of the Protective Edge war against Hamas.

The operation Color Red early-warning system for Kassam rockets does not track mortar shells, which have a low trajectory. The Green Rock system’s identifying the source of fire not only gives people time to run for cover but also allowed soldiers to return fire and intercept the shell.

The system is mobile and can be used on four-wheel vehicles and armored personnel carriers (APC).

Another system under development to thwart mortar shell attacks is Rafael Advanced Defense System’s Iron Beam, which features a laser ray.

Globes reported that the IDF is using new drones that have provided valuable intelligence to the military during the war.