The Israeli Ministry of Defense will begin testing a new robotic unmanned vehicle (M-RCV Medium Robotic Combat Vehicle), with field tests starting in 2023. The M-RCV’s capabilities include automatic target recognition, auto-tracking of multiple targets, ‘context-based’ target prioritisation, a 30mm autonomous turret, and ‘an array of passive sensors to help in crucial battlefield data collection through vibration, light, radiation, and heat detection’. It also carries a ‘capsuled drone for forward reconnaissance missions’.
Israel has been using various unmanned ground vehicles with differing capabilities for a number of years. One of these is the Jaguar UGV, a semi-autonomous military robot which Israel says ‘is one of the first military robots in the world that can substitute soldiers on the borders’. The Jaguar, which Israel uses to surveil and patrol the Gaza border, is equipped with a machine gun, ‘dozens of sensors, an automated driving system, advanced fire capabilities, and a public address (PA) system’.
Israel does not support the negotiation of new international law to regulate the development and use of autonomous weapons systems.
Sign up for our email alerts
"*" indicates required fields
We take data privacy seriously. Our Privacy Notice explains who we are, how we collect, share and use Personal Information, as well as how you can exercise your privacy rights, but don’t worry, we hate spam and will NEVER sell or share you details with anyone else.