Of the data that are known in the conflict between Israel and Iran there are a question I know He is sliding These days: the sophisticated anti -mile air defense of Israel, amplified by the publicized Iron domeAre you showing fissures? The truth is that there is a background explanation about the use (or not) of this Israeli defense system.
Also a weakness that is exploiting Iran.
Helicopters against swarms. In the middle of the rise of Iranian air attacks with Shahed dronesthe Israeli armed forces have begun to display a solution as striking as effective: the systematic use of combat helicopters AH-64 Apache to intercept unmanned aerial vehicles that manage to cross the sophisticated antimile framework of the country.
Equipped with 30 mm cannons and aiming systems integrated into the gunner’s helmet, these helicopters, known in Israel as “Saraf”They were not conceived for anti -aircraft, but they have turned out to be a decisive tool to destroy drones at a short distanceonce they exceed medium and long -range defense systems. The captured videos They show the apaches by down drones propelled in full flight, an image that encapsulates the evolution of modern air combat and the urgent need for tactical solutions dynamics in a prolonged war context.
The economic dilemma. We already said it at the beginning. Israel has one of the most advanced defensive architectures in the world, structured in layers: Arrow For long -range ballistic missiles, David’s sling (David’s Honda) for intermediate threats, Thaad for high altitude threats and famous dome For short -range projectiles. This network, sustained by highly coordinated sensors and radars, managed to intercept about 99% of the more than 300 missiles and drones launched by Iran on the offensive of 2024.
However, and here is the quid of everything, maintaining that efficiency involves An immense cost: a single tamir interceptor of the dome costs near $ 40,000while the Arrow missiles easily exceed one million. Before drones that barely cost a few thousands, each anti -aircraft shot becomes a strategic profitability problem.
Save missiles. In a wear war, as has demonstrated in Ukraineexhausting interceptors reserves in low value targets can end weakening the defense Faced with much more lethal threats. Therefore, like kyiv, Israel has begun to Reserve your missiles For priority objectives, and has delegated cheaper and more flexible systems, such as helicopters, the mission of containing drones waves.
Shahed 131
Saraf vs Shahed. He Apache Ah-64Din his Saraf Israeli variantit can fly to more than 300 km/hyg carrying missiles and automatic cannons with a cadence of 10 shots per second. Your aim system, based on the gunner’s lookallows you to acquire targets with great precision. In front of drones like the Shahed, which fly in a straight line without evasive maneuvers, the Apache should have an advantage.
Nevertheless, Some videos They suggest that clashes are not always immediate or effective. There is Drones reports evading for several minutes the persecution of four helicopters. If true, it would suggest the real difficulties of demolishing these objectives, especially when they are equipped with self -evil systems, Like the Russian Ukhylyontwhich performs automatic maneuvers when detecting other aircraft.
A fatal error. In addition, the danger of friendly fire is real: helicopters flying to the level of drones can be confused by terrestrial defense systems, and an error could lead to the loss of a platform. It is not trivial, we speak of 50 million of dollars compared to a goal of just 30,000.
Wear guerrillas. The threat is also not limited to current drones. Iran has already demonstrated a Shahed model with a reaction engine, The Shahed-238Able to exceed 480 km/h, an impossible speed to intercept for conventional helicopters. If these models begin to deploy in mass, the Apache would cease to be useful as an interceptor. In the short term, however, the Saraf remain an immediate and effective resource to protect civil areas, key facilities and military columns.
In case of A prolonged campaign as lived by Ukraine, where Russia has come to launch More than 470 drones In one night, the tactical response capacity becomes more important than technological perfection. They remembered in Forbes That Israel, unlike Ukraine, has the ability to directly attack the manufacturing and storage facilities of drones in Iranian territory, which could mitigate part of the problem since its origin. Even so, while that does not happen, the tactical defense in the Israeli sky itself is in the hands of hybrid solutions: helicopters, light weapons, and possibly, in the near future, interceptor drones.
Adaptation and evolution. He use of helicopters of attack against drones is a clear sample of how armies are adapting their doctrines against unconventional threats. As We have counted with Ukraine al develop an ecosystem of Anti -Didrone Weapons (from mounted machine guns In trucks up double cannon shotguns or portable missiles), Israel is exploring multiple fronts to mitigate a threat that, although cheap and rudimentary, can erode even the most advanced defenses if it occurs in sufficient number.
If the conflict does not cease in the short term, it would not be surprising that in the coming months we will see a boom in the development of technologies dedicated to it, from low -cost smart ammunition to autonomous anti -urmon systems. Meanwhile, Israel’s defense against Iranian drones It will rest In the eyes and cannons of its crews of Apache helicopters.
Image | Nehemia Gershuni-AylhoAlexpl
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