The IDF has been working to come up with countermeasures to the hundreds of burning kites and balloons Hamas operatives have been sending over the border to torch Israeli fields and property as part of its ongoing arson and protests campaign along the Israel-Gaza security fence.
On Monday, IDF soldiers from the Ground Forces' Matmon Unit and field intelligence teamed up with a civilian security company to test a trial system that will bring an end to the destructive fires caused when the kites and balloons touch down on the Israeli side of the fence, the Walla news reported.
The ensuing fires have so far devoured over 8,000 of acres of forest and agricultural land, causing millions of dollars in damage.
To carry out the tests, the engineers and soldiers set up equipment and lookout points along the border. The proposed system deploys a drone nicknamed "Shekel and Half" that is capable of flying a few kilometers away from its operator and maneuvering at a great height.
The test kicked off with an attempt to track down Hamas balloons being released in real time. Then the team decided to tie a balloon to a drone that would hover near the release point and allow the spotter to locate the balloon and mark its precise location using laser technology, while it was still moving.
After several favorable tests, the system was deemed a success. Defense officials who witnessed the tests said that the system allowed Israel to spot and track balloons, even though they are small objects that move quickly, making it possible to provide information about their location to brigade headquarters, whose staff will direct firefighting squads to the correct locations.
