Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Israel plans to test an unmanned M-RCV system in 2023

The Israel Ministry of Defense plans to begin testing a robotic unmanned vehicle (M-RCV Medium Robotic Combat Vehicle) next year. The robotic combat vehicle was unveiled at Elbit Systems’ pavilion at the Eurosatory Defense and Security Exhibition last week.

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Developed by the Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), the Tank and APC Directorate, and Israeli security industries, the vehicle includes a new robotic platform type BLR-2 made by Israeli firm BL; a 30 mm autonomous turret developed by the ministry’s Tank and APC Directorate for the Eitan armored personnel carrier. It also includes the Elbit Iron Fist Active Protection System, which is a smaller, mountable version of the Iron Dome anti-projectile defense system; fire control and mission management system; and robotic autonomous kit, in addition to situation awareness systems.

The technological demonstrator also features a capsuled drone that it can deploy and retrieve for forward reconnaissance missions and a passive sensing kit developed by Elbit Systems and Foresight. The vehicle integrates a number of cutting-edge technologies, including advanced maneuvering capabilities, the ability to carry heavy and varied mission loads, and a built-in system for transporting and receiving UAVs.

The M-RCV system will also incorporate sights, an IAI missile launcher, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ Spike missiles. Its capabilities include a highly autonomous solution for forward reconnaissance and controlled lethality in all-terrain conditions. It is operational during the day and night in all-weather scenarios while emphasizing operational effectiveness, simplicity, minimum operator intervention, and integration into heterogeneous unmanned arrays.

The M-RCV system is a joint product of many years of investment by the DDR&D and the Tank and APC Directorate and is expected to start field tests during 2023 in representative scenarios.

In April, the Israeli Ministry of Defense and Rafael completed a series of ground-breaking tests with its “Iron Beam” laser air defense system against steep-track threats for the first time in the world.

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Blurbs

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