More SandCat light reconnaissance vehicles rushed into service with Israel
Plasan has been delivering extra Sandcats to the IDF. (Photo: Plasan)
Israeli military defence company Plasan has rushed extra SandCat patrol vehicles to the IDF and re-opened a personal ballistic armour production line as local soldiers and vehicles line-up on the Gaza border in preparation for a potential invasion.
The moves were reported by Israel Defence on 22 October and the vehicles would join the hundreds already in service with the IDF. While it is not clear how many SandCats are already in service with IDF, it could be as many as 700, according to the report.
The report stated that ‘the company has significantly increased the production rate of vehicles and will deliver dozens more in the coming months in addition to the vehicles that were delivered at the beginning of this year in an emergency procurement procedure’.
Israel operates as many as a dozen armoured vehicles of varied age, number and standard, with any invasion proving a major test and demonstrating the worth of newer variants.
The SandCat uses many Ford F Series components, such as the 6.7 litre turbodiesel, but the original ladder frame chassis has been dispensed with in favour of a monocoque design. This would result in a high level of underbody protection without demanding substantial increases in weight and height.
A modular armour system, which can provide up to STANAG 4569 Level 3 protection, would allow the vehicle to be equipped to the threat level and payload requirements of the mission.
The importance of this type of vehicle has been highlighted by the continued arrival of vehicles into Israel including the David Light armoured urban vehicle on 19 October.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Elbit Systems looks to enhance automation for Israeli artillery systems
Automation efforts on the Roem and Sigma howitzers will maintain a ‘man in a loop’ configuration as the Israeli company focuses on the export market.
-
How Spain’s acquisition of PAC-3 MSE can boost European air defence
Madrid will increase interoperability with the other seven users of next-gen Patriot in the region.
-
MBDA announces new VSHORAD system at Farnborough International Airshow 2024
The VSHORAD supersonic single-operator interceptor air defence system was unveiled at Farnborough.
-
Raytheon notes CUAS laser success and pushes for faster air defence manufacture
Raytheon’s Patriot air defence system has been in high demand with orders and commitment coming in from Germany, Romania and Spain.
-
BAE Tridon MK2 fitted with Chess Dynamics fire control system
The collaboration between the defence giant and the gunfire control specialist will help deliver a modular anti-drone solution.