Tel Aviv: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has demonstrated a military bulldozer that was remotely operated from the US. The demonstration on March 26 is part of the company’s accelerated effort to offer the military markets advanced autonomous systems.
Zvi Yarom, IAI’s VP and general manager of the company’s land division told Raksha Anirveda that that the interest and demand for ground autonomous systems for military missions has grown dramatically. “After years of looking at these system in suspicion, the attitude has taken a dramatic turn. In the ongoing war that broke out on October 7, 2023 autonomous systems performed many critical missions in different units of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and the army now wants more , much more.”
Yarom added that the interest in the Israeli autonomous systems comes from other countries including the US and India. “The demo of the RobDozer today proved that our systems can be operated remotely while achieving real time control.”
Yarom said that many other systems will become autonomous and emphasised that in weapon systems there will always be a man in the loop to pull the trigger.
The IAI ELTA’s RobDozer (ELA-6641) is an Autonomous Combat Engineering System, expertly crafted to handle the rigorous demands of battlefield engineering. This robust armoured vehicle is primarily used for breaching tasks, capable of clearing paths through tough terrains and removing a variety of obstacles that impede military operations.
One of the standout features of RobDozer is its versatility in the field. It can be equipped with additional manipulators to enhance its effectiveness across a range of engineering missions. These missions include constructing defenses, erecting barriers, digging out positions, and building embankments—each essential for shaping the battlefield to strategic advantage.
According to IAI, the autonomy of the RobDozer allows it to operate in environments that are too risky for human crews, minimising the threat to life and enabling continuous operations under fire or in threat-heavy areas. Its ability to autonomously navigate and perform tasks in hostile or challenging conditions makes it an invaluable asset in modern combat scenarios.
The defensive capabilities of the armoured bulldozer make it a formidable combat engineering vehicle on the battlefield. With its armour-plated design, the armoured bulldozer provides protection for the vehicle and its operator during combat operations. This allows the combat bulldozer to plow through enemy defenses, such as trenches and obstacles, with ease, while shielding those inside from enemy fire. The combination of earth-moving capabilities and armoured protection makes the combat bulldozer a vital piece of mechanical engineering equipment in military operations.
IAI says that the heavily armoured bulldozer is capable of withstanding a variety of attacks. With a colossal 15 tons of armour, this combat bulldozer can deflect not just bullets, but also rocket-propelled grenades, grenade launchers, booby traps, and explosive devices. Its robust construction makes it suitable for pushing earth and rubble around in hostile environments while being shot at, making it a formidable tool for building fortifications or demolishing enemy structures. The combat bulldozer’s ability to withstand such attacks highlights its importance in military operations where protection and functionality are crucial.
The armoured operator cabin of the combat bulldozer is designed to provide high visibility for the operator while offering protection against various threats. The armour suite includes protection for the engine, fuel and oil tanks, as well as hydraulic and electrical systems. This ensures that the operator is shielded from small arms fire, RPG attacks, and other potential hazards on the battlefield. Additionally, the cabin can be fitted with slat armour to further enhance its protective capabilities. Overall, the armored cabin of the RobDozer is a crucial feature that ensures the safety and security of the operator during combat operations.
Overall, the RobDozer’s integration into military engineering units significantly boosts their capability to rapidly alter landscapes to favour defensive or offensive operations. According to the Israeli company, by automating critical yet hazardous engineering tasks, RobDozer not only enhances the safety of personnel but also increases the operational pace and effectiveness of ground forces. Its robust engineering solutions enhance the operational efficiency of military units, ensuring secure environments for advanced defence systems, such as missile interceptor platforms, to perform effectively in complex scenarios.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
