Translated and slightly edited by me. from "Yediot Acharonot", leading Israeli news paper:

9/3/05-

"A new development will protect tanks against rockets and missiles:
The cutting edge system will detect and dstroy ATGMs in flight.
The IDF hopes to field the sysem in a year and half.

A new development from REFAEL will protect IDF forces against ATGMs and RPGs. The sophisticated system, which will probably enter service with in a year and a half, will detect and dstroy ATGMs and RPGs in flight.

The IDF currently uses the ERA type armour to protect its armoured vehicles. This armour is made essetially of explosive "boxes" that explode when hit. Thisdiverges the impact from the armored vhicle.

The new sysem, which is said to be the worlds best, will intercept the missile even before impact. This will be achieved by a 360 degrees radar system, which will detect the aproaching projectile and automatically launch a charge of metal balls to destroy it.

The need for better tank and APC has become appearent over the last few years, since terrorits have managed to purchase advanced ATGMs and RPGs. The new system, which was put on display at a exhebition held by the IDF at Tel Aviv yesterday, is said to have found intrest with the US military as well."

So does Israel buy this from the US or is it Israeli tech and research?

Like the article said its an Israeli development from REFAEL(Israeli Armament Development Authority).

Originally Posted by SHERMAN

Like the article said its an Israeli development from REFAEL(Israeli Armament Development Authority).

Oh, because I didn't know what REFAEL was.

np.

This is one of those "why didn't I think of this" things? Just fire out some scatter-shot to chop the missile to pieces on its way in, good idea! I hope it works, I freakin' hate ATGMs.

Im just concerned about using it when you have infantry around.

Yep, that would earn you some illwill from the groundpounders alright.

israel will surely pass this on to US for its fight against terrorism... another win for the good guys

Not so sure. This device is more for balanced warfare than anti gurrila operations. Because you cant use it with dismounted infantry around the tank. Either way the US prefers developing stuff on its own.