IDF to Equip Engineering Vehicles with 'Arrow-Spear' Active Protection System

The Israeli Ground Forces are implementing significant changes based on lessons learned from the October 7th attacks and ongoing combat. Commander of the Ground Forces, Major General Nadav Lotan, is leading a plan to enhance the operational independence and continuity of combat teams operating deep within enemy territory. A key component of this initiative is the integration of the "Arrow-Spear" (חץ דורבן) active protection system to defend engineering vehicles and bulldozers.

To reduce reliance on external support during deep incursions, the IDF will increase its stock of military equipment, ammunition, and weaponry at the brigade level. The plan also emphasizes developing alternatives for digital equipment and integrating command and control systems with backups to ensure functionality during communication blackouts or electronic warfare. The engineering corps, particularly heavy mechanical engineering equipment like bulldozers, is a major focus of these accelerated force-building efforts.

Currently, the IDF possesses approximately 450 engineering vehicles, with an additional 80 Indian-made vehicles used primarily for defense. These heavy engineering vehicles have been crucial in breaching enemy defenses, clearing paths in urban areas like Gaza, Khan Younis, and Rafah, as well as in regions like the Litani River and Beaufort Ridge. They have faced unprecedented threats including powerful explosives, anti-tank missiles, drones, mortars, rockets, and direct assaults by terrorist cells.

Since October 7th, 32 engineering vehicles have been destroyed by enemy fire. In response to these losses and after extensive review of various protection solutions, the Ground Forces decided to equip these heavy vehicles with the "Arrow-Spear" active defense system. This system will provide a critical layer of active protection, primarily against anti-tank missiles, enabling ground maneuvers under fire while minimizing damage to vehicles and personnel.

"Arrow-Spear," developed by Elbit Systems, is designed for armored fighting vehicles and engineering equipment. It uses radar and electro-optical sensors to detect incoming threats like anti-tank missiles and rockets in real-time. Upon detection, it launches an interceptor missile to neutralize the threat in the air at a safe distance, protecting the vehicle and nearby soldiers.