WATCH: New IDF ‘Iron Sting’ precision mortars used in combat for the first time
The ‘Maglan’ commando unit used the mortar against Hamas terrorists
The ‘Maglan’ commando unit of the IDF used the new Iron Sting mortar system in combat for the first time, Israel Defense Forces announced on Sunday.
During the fighting against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip, Maglan soldiers attacked a rocket launch position with the new mortar system.
“Thanks to the precision abilities, the lethality and the expertise of the fighters, the Maglan unit in cooperation with the Air Force foiled dozens of terrorists with a variety of means, one of which is the precision mortar ‘Iron Sting.,’” said Maglan commander, Lt.-Col. Omer Cohen.
The Iron Sting was developed by the Israeli company Elbit Systems and is a mortar bomb with dual guidance that enables precise hitting of terrorist targets in a built-up area, thus increasing the lethality of the hit and reducing the risk of injury to non-combatants.
Iron Sting uses a 120 mm mortar bomb equipped with GPS and laser guidance, has a range of up to 12 km (about 7.5 miles), and can even penetrate double-reinforced concrete.
“From the beginning of the war, the commando team fought fiercely against the enemy’s brutal attack and eliminated over 100 terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Regular and reserve Maglan, Egoz and Duvdevan units will arrive wherever needed and eliminate any enemy. Together we will win, I am confident in our fighters and trust them,” Cohen said, referring to the 3 military units that are part of the IDF’s Commando Brigade.
Maglan was founded in 1986 with the mission of operating deep in enemy territory while focusing on targeting and destroying specific targets, as well as gathering accurate intelligence.
The unit also has an Advanced Weapons Development Division whose mission is to find creative solutions and technological innovations after accessing the operational needs and the classified activities of the unit.
Maglan was named after the Hebrew word for the Ibis bird, which also appears on the unit’s symbol.
The first commander of the unit, Lt.-Col. (ret.) Danny Herman explained: “This bird was very rare in Israel, but it was welcomed and began to nest in it, meaning that it managed to adjust to life here and integrate into the growing country.”
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
