A smart reflector, a computerized light weapons system, a digital helmet, a vibrating sleeve, and a system that will allow the combat soldier on the ground to give audible commands – are just some of the features with which the IDF soldier of the future will be fitted within the framework of the army's new "Edge of Tomorrow" project, as revealed by the Defense Ministry's Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure (MAFAT) and Elbit Systems.
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Recently, MAFAT, together with Elbit, the project's systems integrator, demonstrated the new capabilities at an IDF training facility. Soldiers from one of the army's most elite units were equipped with the systems and exhibited their initial capabilities – which enhance the lethality and survivability of every soldier, and the synergy between the team members – in various operational scenarios.
Within the framework of the new plan, the futuristic technologies in the fields of lethality, survivability, enhancement of situational awareness, reduction of cognitive stress, command and control, and network-based warfare, will be integrated through the application of artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms.
Soldiers will also be equipped with smart sights for their weapons, a system that pinpoints the source of incoming enemy fire, an innovative system that identifies the location of friendly soldiers even without a GPS signal, and a vibrating sleeve, as stated, used to convey orders, and more.
"The plan provides for an entire basket of technologies that will allow the soldier and the team to produce their optimum – making both the team and the individual soldier stronger and far more deadly…," said Lt. Col. Shlomi Buskila of MAFAT.
"The purpose of the project is to equip the soldier, team, and platoon with innovative capabilities that will substantially improve their survivability and foster a transformation on the mission-effectiveness level," said Haim Delmar, the general manager of Elbit Systems C4I and Cyber.
"The technological solution of the 'Edge of Tomorrow' project is based on open architecture. It will maximize technological capabilities that have been proven operationally, made by Elbit and other companies, and will integrate technologies that were developed and suited to the needs of the future battlefield with an emphasis on urban warfare. We are proud to spearhead this important effort together with MAFAT and the IDF," Delmar added.
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