Israel Introduces ELI-3312 Solution to Protect Tanks Against Drone Attacks.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has introduced a solution to address the vulnerability of tanks facing warheads launched by multi-rotor drones. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had previously devised an interim measure for its Merkava tanks, known as the "Cope Cage," widely used in the conflict in Ukraine. This consists of a metal net affixed to the upper section of the tanks, protecting the IDF's Merkava 4 main battle tanks.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The ELI-3312 Huntereye is a compact target acquisition and cueing system designed to be installed on both light and heavy Remote Weapon Stations. (Picture source: IAI)

These metal nets are designed to intercept anti-tank charges dropped from above, detonating them before they reach the tank itself. While this interim solution has proven effective to a certain extent, the quest for more sophisticated protection systems is ongoing.

IAI's electronic division, Elta, presents a tailored remedy to this challenge: the ELI-3312 Huntereye. This cutting-edge system belongs to a family of compact target-acquisition sensors designed for precise target acquisition and cueing. It is crafted to seamlessly integrate with both light and heavy Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) as well as Main Battle Tanks (MBT).

The ELI-3312 Huntereye system excels at detecting, classifying, and tracking fire sources, delivering real-time situational awareness. Combining the capabilities of two primary sensors into a unified system, it incorporates a ground surveillance radar for swift detection and identification, along with an embedded Electro-Optical (EO) fire source sensor. This sensor is installed on an integrated Remote Weapon Station (RWS). Notably, the system boasts modularity, enabling easy adaptation to various weapon stations and guns.

The ELI-3312 Huntereye is a compact target acquisition and cueing system designed to be installed on both light and heavy Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) as well as Main Battle Tanks (MBT). It provides the capability to detect, classify, and track ground targets and fire sources, thereby offering real-time situational awareness.

This system combines the capabilities of two main sensors into a single sensor system: a ground surveillance radar for immediate detection and identification, and an embedded Electro-Optical (EO) fire source sensor, installed on an integrated Remote Weapon Station (RWS). Furthermore, the system is modular, allowing for easy adaptation to various weapon stations and firearms.

However, details about this type of system are limited, as the company has restricted information about this new product. Nevertheless, anti-drone systems are becoming increasingly popular among various armies worldwide, and it would not be surprising to see such products emerge in the market. It remains to be seen how the ELI-3312 Huntereye will be received.

Defense News April 2024