The IDF is hoping to increase the presence of Gaza border driver-less patrol vehicles along the border between southern Israel and Hamas-controlled Gaza. Military officials explain unmanned vehicles gets the job done without placing soldiers at risk along a border where rocket and sniper attacks are not uncommon.

Working with Israeli defense specialist Elbit Systems, IDF has equipped Ford F-350 pickup trucks with specialized remote driving technology. The trucks, dubbed Border Protector Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), are also fitted with four driving cameras and a 360-degree observation camera to help operators identify threats. At the moment, the vehicles are unarmed. The first of these vehicles is set to go operational in February 2017.

An IDF website reported “The border with Gaza is one of Israel’s most tense regions. Hamas snipers, anti-tank missiles and explosives threaten IDF soldiers whose job it is to patrol the security fence on the border.

“To counter these threats, the IDF has introduced the Guardium Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), which patrols the Gaza fence around the clock. “The most important aspect of the Guardium is that it saves human lives — and money, too,” said Lt. Avidav, Head of the Guardium Division.

“The Guardium is unarmed, but is equipped with 360 degree cameras and a loudspeaker. It is highly mobile, which means that it can stream images from various angles and gather more data than a stationary camera can.

“Infantry soldiers often patrol alongside the Guardium, which can detect threats from a distance. If it spots something suspicious, the soldiers in the command room immediately notify the foot soldiers in the field of the danger.

It is pointed out the vehicles can also be driven traditionally, that means from the driver’s seat.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)