via Haaretz.
The Israel Defense Forces plans to protect more of its equipment against anti-tank missiles and acquire more radar devices that detect mortar fire – key lessons learned from the fighting in Gaza.
A system called Windbreaker currently protects the tanks of Armored Corps Brigade 401 against all types of anti-tank missiles. In Gaza, this system was used more than 10 times to intercept such missiles, including the advanced Kornet.
“The Windbreaker gives us more security when moving and under fire; it’s a system that lets us maneuver more deeply,” a commander in the brigade said during the fighting. The most significant threat during the Gaza operation was from anti-tank missiles and sniper fire, he said.
The IDF plans for the brigades of Division 162 and Division 36 to eventually have the system, too. “The lesson learned from the operation is to continue to strengthen the decisive divisions,” a senior officer said.
He said the IDF had increased the pace of producing high-quality Namer armored personnel carriers. At the moment, Namers are not outfitted with the Windbreaker.
