On Aug 22/06, The Jerusalem Post reported a formal contract signing for 2 SSK Dolphin Class diesel-electric submarines from HDW’s shipyard in Kiel, Germany. EADS is also a player in the deal following its acquisition of Atlas Elektronik. Unlike their 3 predecessors, these submarines would incorporate an AIP(Air Independent Propulsion) system in order to allow them to spend far more time submerged; most likely HDW’s system used on the U-212 Class.
Israeli business news standard Globes notes that ITL Optronics will provide night-vision systems, weapons sights and advanced laser systems to IDF land forces in a deal worth NIS 30 million (about $7 million). The company will provide “Mars” laser pointer rapid-aiming sights for the Tavor assault rifle and for other rifles, as well as other night vision systems. The war against Iran and Syria’s proxies has resulted in a rush order, and ITL CEO Eli Venezia says that the company is working three shifts in order to supply the entire order to the IDF within two months. The first part of the order will be delivered in 10 days.
It would appear that Israel is belatedly learning some of the lessons that US forces have been acting on for the past several years in their procurement priorities: night vision and complementary laser illumination aren’t just for special forces – if widely distributed, they can be a difference-maker on the battlefield. Meanwhile, Ralph Peters recent article on the state of the Israeli reserve force and its shortages makes for sobering reading.
The most interesting element of the article, however, involved CEO Venezia’s vision regarding the future of infantry.
