Today marks the 75 Independence Day of the State of Israel. In honor of this momentous occasion, take a look back at the technological powerhouse that is the IDF.
The Uzi
Since 1950, the IDF has used the ‘Uzi’ submachine gun, designed in 1949 by Major Uziel “Uzi” Gal. The Uzi was named after him as a tribute to his ability and innovation. The Uzi was used in the Suez Crisis (1956), Six-Day War (1967) Yom Kippur War (1973) and Operation Peace for Galilee––later known as the First Lebanon War (1982).
The Nesher
In 1967, shortly before the Six-Day War, France placed an embargo on the delivery of planes to Israel. The smuggling of the production plans and parts of the multirole fighters, along with about 50 engines, served as the basis for the establishment of the production line for the “Nesher” aircraft in the aerospace industry. The Nesher was the first multirole fighter jet built in Israel.
The Merkava
Following the lessons from the Six Day War, the Merkava Tank was designed and now serves as the backbone of the IDF’s Armored Corps. The Merkava was first officially used in 1979 during Operation Peace For the Galilee and as of last year, the latest version of the Merkava Tank–the Merkava Mark 4M––is considered to be one of the best tanks in the world.
The Galil
Around the time of the Yom Kippur War, the IDF needed a new assault rifle to replace the Uzi submachine gun. The “Galil”––designed by Yisrael Galili––was officially in use after being used in the IDF during the Yom Kippur War when a number of guns were distributed.
The Ofeq
In 1988, the Palmachim Airbase launched Ofeq-1, the first satellite developed and built in Israel. The Ofeq-1 was the first of several Israeli reconnaissance satellites, rotating around the planet for the purpose of gathering military intelligence. On March 28, 2023, the Ofeq-13 was successfully launched.
The IWI Negev
While the IDF still used The FN MAG machine gun, the IMI (Israel Military Industries) Systems started planning the IWI “Negev” light machine gun. Production time finished in 1995, and was put in use in 1997.
The Iron Dome
In 2004, Brig. Gen. Daniel Gold had the idea for the Iron Dome. From 2000-2008, approximately 4,000 rockets were fired from Hezbollah to northern Israel and more than 8,000 rockets fired at southern Israel (principally by Hamas). In 2008, the development of the Iron Dome Aerial Defense System was put in use in the IDF. In 2011, the final test was completed before the system first operated.
The success rate of the Iron Dome is 97%, and the system is an operational success, becoming synonymous with Israel’s unique technological achievements.
The Tavor
In 2006, the IMI (Israel Military Industries) Systems developed the “Tavor”––a modern bullpup assault rifle. In 2009, the IDF Ground Forces decided to equip all infantry fighters with Micro-tavor instead of Tavor rifles. The Micro-tavor is considered to be the most desirable weapon in the IDF and despite its compact dimensions, it possesses an accuracy that ranges up to 500 meters.
Since then, and for 75 years, the IDF continues to develop machinery to help with the mission of the IDF—–to protect Israel and its civilians.
Happy 75 Independence Day!
