Upgraded MATADOR Weapon System Proves Itself in Urban Warfare, Being Used by Israel Defence Forces

Tel Aviv: The MATADOR (Man-portable Anti-Tank, Anti-Door) weapon system has proved itself again in the urban warfare in Gaza. The version used by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in Gaza is an upgraded one that has been modified to answer current operational requirements. 

This man-portable, disposable anti-armour and anti-structure weapon system was developed collaboratively by Germany, Israel, and Singapore. It is designed for infantry use, offering versatility against both armoured vehicles and fortified positions.

The MATADOR is equipped with a multi-mode warhead that can be switched between HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) and HESH (High-Explosive Squash Head) modes. HEAT mode is effective against armoured vehicles, capable of penetrating up to 500mm of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA). HESH mode is used for breaching concrete or brick structures, creating openings up to 45 cm wide, making it valuable for urban warfare and entry operations.

The system is lightweight (approximately 10.35 kg) and disposable, with an effective range of up to 500 metres.

It uses a counter-mass system (shredded plastic expelled from the rear) to minimise back-blast, allowing safe firing from confined spaces. The warhead mode is selected by adjusting a probe: extending it for HEAT, retracting for HESH. The propulsion system makes the projectile insensitive to wind, increasing accuracy. Integral optical sights and optional night vision devices are available for targeting.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) first used the MATADOR in combat during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza (2009), primarily for breaching walls and fortified structures. It remains a standard part of IDF infantry equipment, particularly valued for urban combat and anti-structure operations.

The system has also been exported and used by other nations, including Singapore, Germany, and Ukraine.

During the ongoing fighting in Gaza this weapon system has proved itself when the target was Hamas members operating anti-tank weapons from buildings in very dense areas. The infantry fighters have used this system many times. It gave them the real time solution to neutralise a fast developing threat like a terrorist with an RPG or a sniper.

Arie Egozi

-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