Tel Aviv: The growing use of loitering weapon systems brings Israeli companies to develop systems that will enhance the operational capabilities of these weapon systems.
Israeli company Spear UAV has unveiled the MCL Viper (Multi Canister Launcher), a ground-breaking system enabling the immediate launch of VIPER 300 Systems while in motion, from any military manned or unmanned platform.
The MCL Viper system features a customisable configuration with four or more canisters, adaptable to a wide array of military platforms and vehicles. This game-changing launcher enhances the manoeuvrability and operational pace of forces while minimising operator exposure and safeguarding crew members within the vehicle.
Capable of launching multiple VIPER systems simultaneously or sequentially, the MCL Viper empowers tactical units with real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities, as well as precision attack capabilities complemented by Electronic Warfare (EW) measures. Additionally, the system guarantees operator safety, situational awareness, and mission success, enabling both swarm and unitary modes of operation.
Operable from within the vehicle and demanding minimal storage space, the MCL Viper system offers an immediate response even while in motion. Its intuitive, autonomous operation and resilience in challenging environmental conditions make it an indispensable asset for modern battlefield scenarios.
Yiftach Kleinman, EVP Commercial at Spear UAV, explained that the company recognised the complicated challenges associated with SWAP (Size, Weight, and Power) allocation within military platforms, coupled with the crucial need to enhance tactical forces with advanced capabilities.
“Spear’s proven expertise in encapsulating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and executing missions seamlessly from a diverse array of platforms, including submarines and Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), drives the development of the MCL Viper. This innovative solution is poised to empower the entire VIPER 300 family of capabilities, catering to units ranging from squads and platoons to companies and battalions,” he said.
He added that military forces can now leverage the advantages of unitary or swarm capabilities, encompassing hovering, speed, compactness, and cost-effectiveness, with the ability to engage and eliminate pinpoint targets either kinetically or electronically. Integration with BMS and C4i systems ensures our integration within the forces’ ecosystem. This solution reshapes tactical effectiveness, enabling troops to successfully execute a wide range of missions while enhancing their protection and minimising exposure to adversaries in any warfare scenario.
The VIPER 300 family signifies a paradigm shift in tactical warfare. Consisting of three distinct capabilities: ISR, Loitering Munition and EW, the state-of-the-art encapsulated precision strike hovering munition is optimised for engaging both stationary and moving targets within Line of Sight (LOS) and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) scenarios, with a tactical distance. Tailored for manoeuvring force (dismounted soldiers and platforms), the VIPER 300 ensures a seamless user experience, facilitating real-time and on-demand launch by a single user. Its compact and lightweight design ensures user ease and agility.
AI-based features, including autonomous target classification and tracking (ATR) and About/Wave-off capability, elevate its precision and battlefield effectiveness. With unparalleled versatility and precision, the VIPER 300 redefines tactical engagements and amplifies operational efficiency for military personnel.
-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
