IDF Demonstrates Unmanned Ground Vehicle Missions

The Israeli Defense Force has begun using the Guardium UGV (Unmanned ground vehicle), one of the first regularly operating unmanned security vehicles in the world, for night patrols along the Gaza border. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit Industries, the Guardium can scans the wide array of areas, taking in 360 degrees of information. The new UGV was developed as a part of a new initiative in 2008, it has a wide range of capabilities, allowing it to operate on a variety of missions. The design is modular, allowing for the placement of different observation or mission packages based on the task at hand. In addition, although the vehicle is being operated from a war room, it has the ability to act autonomously, both driving itself and responding to obstacles and events. The Guardium joins the ranks of one of the most elaborate border observation systems in the world. Joining stationary border observers from the Field Intelligence Corps, infantry patrols, and aerial surveillance, the Guardium occupies a very specific niche. It can either act as a fast-response force, or provide around the clock surveillance from the ground. Platoon commander Lt. Kai Hajbi elaborated on some of the responsibilities her unit assumes. “We’ve seen several scenarios where the Guardium has proven its effectiveness,” said Lt. Hajbi. “In one scenario, a mortar had struck the fence punching a whole through it. The Guardium provided 103 consecutive hours of around the clock surveillance without tying up essential infantry forces or placing soldiers in danger”. “In another circumstance, there was a protest on the border right in front of one of the observation posts. From her post, the camera operator could only see the protestors. However, as the vehicle came around the other side, it caught someone digging in the ground hidden by the protestors. We alerted the forces in the area and allowed them to respond,” said Lt. Hajbi. “Without the Guardium, we would have missed that”.