Israeli forces released footage of the “Iron Sting” system launching a mortar bomb to take out a rocket launcher in its first-ever use in an operation on Sunday.
The Maglan commando unit has begun using the Iron Sting mortar bomb that allows it to precisely hit terror targets while reducing collateral damage.
The Maglan unit has began operational use of an innovative new means of warfare that enables precise hits on high-value targets.
The commando unit has begun using the precision-guided munition “Iron Sting” — a mortar bomb with dual guidance which enables an exact hit on terrorist targets in crowded area.
The Iron Sting, described as “an innovative and accurate mortar bomb,” is one of a variety of weapons being used to thwart dozens of terrorists, the Israeli Air Force posted on X, along with video it said showed the 120mm mortar decimating an enemy rocket launcher. The Israeli army used the weapons system in conjunction with the Israeli Air Force.
Designed by Elbit systems, the weapon allows the military to increase the lethality of the hit while reducing the risk of collateral damage. It has been used in recent days to attack the launch sites of Hamas rockets that were aimed towards Israel.
Major General Omer Cohen, the formation commander of Maglan, said of the new weapon: “Thanks to the precision, lethality and expertise of the fighters, the Maglan unit in cooperation with the Air Force foiled dozens of terrorists with a variety of means, one of which is the precision IED ‘Iron Sting’.” He added that since the beginning of the war the unit has eliminated over 100 terrorists inside Gaza.
The Maglan commando unit operates deep in enemy territory while focusing on attacking and destroying specific targets and gathering accurate intelligence. It is an elite unit specializing in anti-tank warfare using advanced weapons and is part of the Commando Brigade.
The weapons system uses a “precise, laser and GPS guided mortar munition” to engage targets in dense, urban environments while “reducing the possibility of collateral damage and preventing injury to non-combatants,” Elbit Systems, which developed the system, said in a 2021 news release.
“Its operational use will revolutionize ground warfare and equip battalions with organic, accurate and effective firepower,” the release said.
Testing of the weapons system was completed in March 2021.
“[The Iron Sting] also fulfills the IDF’s needs, adapting combat capabilities to contend with enemies hidden within civilian, urban environments, while meeting the legal and moral standards set by the State of Israel,” then-Defense Minister Benny Gantz said in the release.
Israeli forces have conducted thousands of air strikes in Gaza and the West Bank following Hamas’ unprecedented attack on October 7.
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