New Weapon for a Different War

[based on information published in the IDF magazine, BaMahane, 3 Jan. 2008]

The Israel Defense Forces Central command requested smaller, lighter and better equipment designed especially for anti-terror operations. The answer is the new Lioness.

The Lioness looks something like a small  tractor, with a narrow front shovel. It can speedily move the length of an alley, clearing the frequently found garbage piles and concrete walls set up to limit IDF operations.

While there are large bulldozers available, they couldn’t clear the blockages without inflicting damage to other structures, if indeed they could transit the narrow alley at all. Thus the route had to be cleared by soldiers leaving their vehicles and advancing on foot. This meant they were directly exposed to the gunfire and explosive charges. 

 
Another significant improvement is the control center on the Lioness which permits the soldier to return fire or attack and destroy targets, unlike with the large bulldozers. Not designed for battle, they were built for work such as removing illegal structures in open areas and did not provide a means of returning fire when attacked.  The single soldier manning the Lioness can fire in any direction required in order to defend himself.

The Lioness is expected to be in use in the near future now that the pilot has been successful. The IDF has decided to provide lighter more appropriate armaments for use under the different conditions found in counter-terror operations which require fighting in close quarters. The Central Command, responsible for Judea and Samaria, will be the first to put the Lioness in operation.