S'13
06-02-2004, 08:02 AM
eport: Security defects in IDF’s new APC
Three US-made “Striker” APCs to arrive in Israel this month. However it appears vehicle’s shield cannot withstand damage by mortar shells or anti-tank missiles.
Amir Buhbut
The IDF will begin this month to replace its old armored personnel carrier (APC) with the new US-made “Striker”. However, it appears that the modern vehicle has severe security defects.
After the attacks on the IDF’s APCs in Gaza last month, in which 11 soldiers were killed, a decision was made to replace the old machines with the new and seemingly better-armored “Striker”. Newsweek magazine recently revealed, however, that the “Striker” is ill equipped.
According to the report, the vehicle’s greatest advantage is its light weight. However, the reason for that is the relatively thin layer of armor that protects the APC. The new vehicle cannot carry a full and complete shield system leaving it vulnerable to damage by mortar shells and anti-tank missiles.
In addition, questions have already been raised in 2003 regarding the vehicle’s protective shield. In spite of that, US Defense Minister Donald Rumsfeld ordered to send 300 strikers to Iraq. Meanwhile, a US army spokesman, was quoted as saying that the US military does not intend to purchase additional units.
An IDF official said in response to the Newsweek report that the vehicle has not been approved as of yet by the General Staff. “If the IDF does in fact purchase the striker, its protective shield would be enhanced and Israeli computer and weapon systems would be installed in it”, he said.
http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=8093
Three US-made “Striker” APCs to arrive in Israel this month. However it appears vehicle’s shield cannot withstand damage by mortar shells or anti-tank missiles.
Amir Buhbut
The IDF will begin this month to replace its old armored personnel carrier (APC) with the new US-made “Striker”. However, it appears that the modern vehicle has severe security defects.
After the attacks on the IDF’s APCs in Gaza last month, in which 11 soldiers were killed, a decision was made to replace the old machines with the new and seemingly better-armored “Striker”. Newsweek magazine recently revealed, however, that the “Striker” is ill equipped.
According to the report, the vehicle’s greatest advantage is its light weight. However, the reason for that is the relatively thin layer of armor that protects the APC. The new vehicle cannot carry a full and complete shield system leaving it vulnerable to damage by mortar shells and anti-tank missiles.
In addition, questions have already been raised in 2003 regarding the vehicle’s protective shield. In spite of that, US Defense Minister Donald Rumsfeld ordered to send 300 strikers to Iraq. Meanwhile, a US army spokesman, was quoted as saying that the US military does not intend to purchase additional units.
An IDF official said in response to the Newsweek report that the vehicle has not been approved as of yet by the General Staff. “If the IDF does in fact purchase the striker, its protective shield would be enhanced and Israeli computer and weapon systems would be installed in it”, he said.
http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=8093