Withdraw Soldiers From Gaza Strip Borders, Israel Places Jaguar Robots

JAKARTA - The Israeli Military's Gaza Division (IDF) will soon deploy a new semi-autonomous robotic ground vehicle called the Jaguar along the border with the Gaza Strip, replacing soldiers along the sensitive border.

Developed over the past year and a half by Israel Aerospace Industries, in collaboration with the technology department of the IDF Army Command, the robot is being integrated into the Gaza Division.

Jaguar is equipped with dozens of sensors, automatic propulsion systems, and advanced firing capabilities, as quoted by The Jerusalem Post, Tuesday, June 29.

Based on a six-wheeled chassis, Jaguar is equipped with a 7.62mm MAG machine gun that can be operated remotely to target objects to suspicious people, both stationary and moving.

Jaguar uses high-resolution cameras, dozens of sensors, transmitters, and a remotely controlled PA system, and is powered by an electric motor that allows it to patrol the border fence with a low heat signal.

Not only that, the Jaguar robot also has the ability to send the exact location to the UAV, so that it can be destroyed from the air if it falls into enemy hands.

With IDF observers and commanders in full operational control, the robot can calculate a route for itself and then direct itself to a destination. Using a sophisticated steering system, Jaguar can also see and pass obstacles in its path.

"We have led the development of innovative technology, an independent robot that reduces the friction of combat soldiers with the enemy and prevents the risk to human life. It even knows how to charge itself, almost like an iRobot", explained Lt. Col. Nathan Kuperstein, Head of Autonomy and Robotics in the IDF's Ground Technology Division.

Jaguars can be used for a variety of missions including intelligence, armed surveillance and reconnaissance as well as convoy protection, decoy and attack roles.

"By using robots instead of soldiers, reducing the risk to human life. Jaguar is one of the most innovative ground robots of the border project, smart and deadly", the IDF said in a statement.

To note, as part of the multi-year Momentum program, the Israeli military has focused on turning the military into a lethal high-tech force, and has invested most of its military plans on innovation and advanced technology.

The IDF's Combat Methods and Innovation Division was founded last year, leading plans to develop future weapons systems to deal with threats the military may face in the future.