Israel Military Industries launches ‘Shock Absorber’ anti-tank defence system

09 Oct 2009

Israel Military Industries (IMI) has developed a new, innovative defence system aimed at protecting infantry and armoured forces from anti tank-missiles. Dubbed "Shock Absorber," the system intercepts and deflects flight paths of anti-tank missiles and is claimed to be the first of its kind in the world.

According to reports, militaries around the world have expressed keen interest in the system.

''Shock Absorber'' is a portable anti-missile system, which allows it to be deployed on ground within minutes.

"The system can disrupt the paths of missile the likes of Kornet and Milan, used by Hezbollah in the Second Lebanon War," Eyal Ben-Haim, head of IMI's Land Systems Division said.

"Such missiles are controlled by a handler who navigates them to their target. Our system ensures the missile hits anywhere but where it was aimed at."

The development of ''Shock Absorber'' was a result of the Israel Defence Force's post-war analysis of the 2006 Lebanon campaign against the Hezbollah in the Lebanon as well as operational lessons learnt from Operation Cast Lead in Gaza against the Hamas, as well.

Anti-tank missiles have gained rapid popularity amongst guerrilla forces and terror groups worldwide, thanks to increased accessibility and the capability to cause greater material damage.