Israel’s mighty ‘Iron Sting’ and its first operational use

Israeli forces released footage of the Iron Sting system firing a mortar round to neutralize a rocket launcher during its first operational use on Sunday. The Iron Sting is described as “an innovative and accurate mortar projectile” and is one of a variety of weapons that use the Israel. The video was posted by Israel’s air force on X, along with footage it said showed the 120mm mortar decimating an enemy rocket launcher.

The Israeli army used the weapon system in cooperation with the Israeli Air Force.

The weapon system uses a “precise, laser-guided and GPS-guided mortar munition” to engage targets in dense, urban environments while “reducing the potential for collateral damage and preventing injury to non-combatants,” said Elbit Systems, which developed the system, in a 2021 press release.

“Its operational use will revolutionize ground warfare and equip battalions with organic, accurate and effective firepower,” the statement said.

Testing of the weapon system was completed in March 2021.

“Iron Sting also meets the needs of the IDF, adapting its combat capabilities to deal with enemies hiding within urban, urban environments, while meeting the legal and ethical standards set by the State of Israel,” the minister at the time said in the release. Defense Benny Gantz.

Israeli forces have carried out thousands of airstrikes in Gaza and the West Bank since the unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed in the war – mostly civilians killed during the Hamas offensive.

More than 4,300 people have been killed in Gaza, according to Hamas’ health ministry.

While the IDF has made clear preparations for a possible ground assault on Gaza, they have yet to go ahead. An Israeli ground attack would likely lead to a dramatic increase in casualties on both sides in urban fighting.