Yaakov Lappin, Tel Aviv - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
05 August 2016
In addition to its growing use of guided missiles and rockets, the Artillery Corps hopes to replace its M109s with a new self-propelled howitzer. Source: PA Photos
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Artillery Corps is in the process of introducing a new tactical doctrine that combines short bursts of shell fire with guided surface-to-surface missiles.
Speaking on 2 August, Colonel Rami Habudraham, the commander of the Flame of Fire Artillery Brigade, said his formation has been training to use what he described as the new "intelligence-based combat" doctrine in recent months.
The Flame of Fire Artillery Brigade was formed at the start of this year with personnel from the Field Artillery School at the Shivta training base in central Israel and will be deployed during a high-intensity conflict.
In addition to howitzer units, the brigade has a company equipped to carry out precision strikes using Israel Military Industries (IMI) Romah guided munitions fired from M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and another company that can launch Rafael Tamuz (Spike) missiles.
It has its own field intelligence-gathering unit and has been equipped with radars to locate the source of incoming fire. These organic capabilities are part of a drive to reduce the 'sensor-to-shooter cycle' and enable artillery units to swiftly engage fleeting targets, such as rocket launching teams.
The brigade is also training to fulfil its primary role in a full-scale conflict: providing supporting fire to ground forces manoeuvring inside enemy territory. Col Habudraham said this involves firing "small, accurate barrages" at identified enemy targets.
He added that the evolving role of artillery brigades took centre stage when the IDF formed the 210th Golan Division in 2014 in response to the chaotic situation in Syria, where sub-state groups have largely replaced the Syrian military presence along the border.
The IDF Ground Forces Command has been investing in developing the Artillery Corps' ability to carry out rapid and independent surface-to-surface strikes. The techniques are specifically designed to target asymmetrical threats such as militants who vanish into civilian areas after carrying out hit-and-run attacks.
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