IAF Adds Electro-Optical Target ID to Patriot SAM

The Israelis Air Force is integrating a sytstem that they call Sniper to their Patriot SAM batteries.^*

The rules of engagement that the IDF uses requires positive visual engagement, something, no doubt, that the RAF Tornado crew shot down during the invasion of Iraq would have appreciated, and this system allows for a positive ID out to the maximum range of the missile.

^*Unlike most other services where SAMS are assigned to the army, typically a part of artillery, the Israelis give their air force ownership of their SAMs, on the theory that they have a better idea of who are the good guys and who are the bad guys flying around.