IDF establishing new corps for countering low-altitude drones amid growing UAV threat
For more than a decade, the IDF has been trying to address the threat posed by drones operating in the airspace close to the ground, using a variety of methods.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are in the process of creating a specialized corps aimed at countering the increasing threat posed by low-altitude drones, according to recent reports. This new unit will be built upon the foundation of existing border infantry battalions. Five battalions, responsible for defending Israel's land borders with Jordan, Egypt, and the West Bank, will assume an additional role in protecting against mobile threats in the low-altitude airspace surrounding the nation.
The decision to establish this new low-altitude airspace defense corps comes as a response to the escalating drone threat that has been evident since the October 7 massacre and the widespread push to develop counter-drone solutions across the globe. Drones have been utilized by various entities, such as Hamas during their attacks along the Gaza border and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, as well as for smuggling weapons and drugs across the borders of Egypt and Jordan.
The threat is also anticipated to expand to the IDF's Judea and Samaria Division and along the Syrian border.
In light of these concerns, the Defense Ministry and the IDF have been accelerating projects to enhance drone protection within the defense establishment. These initiatives involve both Israeli companies and the procurement of technology from abroad. To bolster their defenses, the IDF is deploying various defense systems, including fiber-optic drones, in the field.
These systems pose a significant challenge for conventional militaries due to their difficulty in detection, often necessitating the use of nets, interceptor drones, and ground-based gunfire.
The new corps will initially comprise five battalions, with the sixth battalion designated as the tactical air defense battalion. This battalion was established during the recent war in response to the unprecedented scale of threats emanating from Gaza and Lebanon. The Ground Forces will contribute substantial resources to support the new corps, including additional training personnel to develop a drone school focused on defensive missions.
Military Intelligence is also expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the emerging combat doctrine, operational methods, and procurement strategies related to drones and associated technologies.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
