New radar system in the works to detect mortars from Gaza

An Israeli defense contractor is developing a new radar system for the defense establishment that will identify mortar fire toward Israel.

The existing "Color Red" alert system does not warn of mortar fire from the Gaza Strip, only longer-range weapons such as Qassam rockets and Grad missiles.

The need for a system that identifies mortar fire has risen in recent months with increased mortar attacks on Israel Defense Forces troops near the Gaza border fence and towns close to the fence.

Thursday, Gaza-area towns lost another victim to mortar fire at Kibbutz Nir Oz's Nirlite factory, when Amnon Rosenberg, 51, a father of three from nearby Kibbutz Nirim was killed by an incoming mortar, just a few weeks after the death of Kibbutz Kfar Aza's Jimmy Kadoshim in his own yard.

A defense source said Thursday that officials are aware of the limits of the Color Red system, which has received frequent technological upgrades.

Defense officials hope an improved Color Red system and the new radar will provide satisfactory warning capabilities in a matter of months.

The aim is to provide longer warning times to areas under threat of Qassam rockets and Grad missiles so residents can take cover in reinforced rooms and shelters.

The defense source said two meetings were held at the Defense Ministry to discuss the mortar fire, irrespective of the Nir Oz incident. One of them also addressed the American Phalanx air-defense cannon, which U.S. forces are using in Iraq in response to mortar attacks. The source said the Israeli defense establishment could be interested in the radar used on this cannon without buying the cannon itself.

In addition, the Rafael Armament Development Authority is continuing to develop the Iron Dome rocket interception system. Defense Ministry director general Pinchas Buchris recently said there has been a breakthrough in that project and the first trial could be held later this year.