Innovation in Tactical Breaching on the Battlefield

In the underground tunnels of southern Lebanon, IDF special forces breached Hezbollah's military infrastructure with speed and surgical precision. The key to success? An innovative tactical breaching kit developed at a factory in Kiryat Shemona. While the forces were operating in the field, factory workers worked double shifts, under direct threat of enemy missiles, to ensure the critical supplies for the defense forces in various units.

"We found ourselves at the heart of the campaign, not only on the battlefield but also on the production line," says Ran Nakash, CEO of SAN Tactical. "On October 7th," he adds, "we had already supplied equipment to forces in the south, and on October 8th the Ministry of Defense purchased all of our stock, which had been intended for export."

During the Iron Swords war the Israeli company, which operates in the field of tactical breaching gear and capability implementation, proved not only its innovation, but also its unwavering commitment to the security of the state. SAN's technology, used by elite units in over 45 countries around the world, became critical during this emergency situation, when the war reached the factory's doorstep.

Inspiration from the battlefield
The story of how SAN Tactical was founded begins in the field, where operational reality dictates creative solutions. The company, which has three divisions including the breaching division, was born out of a unique connection between Almog Technical Equipment, one of the largest technical supply companies in the north, and Yaakov Segal, a former senior lecturer at the Technion and a visionary engineer. The meeting between Almog's industrial experience and Segal's engineering knowledge created the basis for the company's establishment in 1993.

But the inspiration for the breaching division came directly from the battlefield itself. "When I was a combat soldier and commander in the Duvdevan Unit," says Nakash, "I realized that there was a significant gap between the operational needs in the field and the tools available to us. I began to develop solutions out of a real need of ours, as a breacher and commander, and afterwards they were passed on to other units in the army."

The progress was not obvious. After his military service, when he returned to Israel from a trip to South America, Nakash was called for operational activity in Nablus. "When I got to the field," he recalls, "and saw the tools I had developed being used by other units as well, I realized that I had done something significant." At that exact moment, Ilan Meiri, a partner in the company and the technological father of the breaching division, brought up the IDF's need for this type of kit, SAN'sbig opportunity came following a big IDF tender for this capability.

In 2008, the company reached a decisive milestone when it won the tender to supply 500 breaching kits to all combat units in the IDF. "That was the moment when we understood our true potential," says Nakash. "With that success, we developed an advanced electro hydraulic power unit, which became a groundbreaking Israeli patent that provided a technological breakthrough for most global companies to follow a similar or identical direction, and the rest is history."

The story of SAN Tactical is an example of how solutions that start in the field can become technologies that change the rules of the game in the global defense arena impacting also the fire fighters and recuse fields. What began as a personal initiative grew into a company that is a source of Israeli pride in the field of tactical breaching.

After earning a significant market share in supplying tactical breaching equipment in Israel and being considered a Subject Matter Expert in the field due to its operational experience with many units around the world, SAN Tactical is striving for continued success and improvement.. Over the last year, the company launched a groundbreaking development: an innovative mechanical breacher that is about to change the world of breaching and rescue once more. The company has filed for an international patent for this development.

What makes this new development unique?
"The new piston we developed is able to transfer loads in a particularly efficient way, from rotary motion to linear motion. According to the patent survey we conducted, it is difficult to find similar technology anywhere in the world. This is an invention that can be applied in many areas, far beyond breaching and rescue. We invest heavily in research and development processes to achieve breakthrough technology – quite literally."

What need in the field does this development address?
"This product reduces the massive breaching equipment, gear that is carried on the back and in the hands, to lightweight equipment that only requires the hands. Despite the significant reduction in size, we managed to achieve tremendous force and speed that is close to that of the larger kit. Also, reliability is higher and the price is attractive."

Equipping every patrol car and fire truck
This innovation allows SAN to break into new areas. The company has already begun the process of scaling down breaching capabilities from the squad level to the team level, a step that will make it possible to equip every patrol car and rescue team. "We are proud to supply equipment to the most elite units, which time and again prove the value of our technology in the most critical scenarios," says Nakash. "Nevertheless, the goal is to expand access to this technology so that it's available to anyone engaged in breaching in the tactical world, but also in rescue and emergency situations."

The development is led by engineer Abraham Pesder, who was a friend of Nakash. "That's not by chance," says Nakash. "I strongly believe in working with people who understand this field. When you combine operational experience with high engineering capabilities, you get innovative solutions that really address the needs. This technology is already generating interest in other industries, even civilian sectors. This isn't just an evolution, it's a revolution in the field."

How does a small Israeli company from the north become one of the most significant global players?
"It all starts with the understanding that we need to offer a complete solution and capability implementation, not just a product. We provide what we call a Total Solution – development, production and integration of capabilities with the help of advanced training courses and aids in the field (including patent issues). Each territory has its unique needs, and we adapt the solution accordingly. We established a network of breaching academies – in Israel, the United States, UK, China, Japan and the Czech Republic – where special forces veterans provide professional training."

What's the difference between training in Israel and training abroad?
"Our advantage is that we bring Israeli operational experience, but adapt it to local needs. In Japan, for example, the challenges are completely different than in Brazil. Within three days to a week of intensive training, we train an organic force that can go into operational activity."

Over 65 markets worldwide
An excellent example of the effectiveness of this approach can be seen in the COT unit of the Brazilian Federal Police, which is considered one of the leaders in Latin America. The unit routinely uses SAN's breaching equipment in operational activities, combining precision and speed in complex conditions. In one operation, members of the unit were filmed breaching a fortified building within seconds, using SAN's breaching kit. The system allows quick and safe access into the building and neutralization of threats without exposing the team to unnecessary risks.

Today, the company operates in over 65 markets around the world, with a dedicated desk in the United States that handles the North American and South American markets. "If you name the leading specialized units in the world," Nakash proudly says, "it's likely that they are our clients."

The October 7th war presented SAN Tactical with a dual challenge – to provide critical technological solutions to the fighting forces, while maintaining production continuity under a direct threat to the factory in Kiryat Shemona.

What was your situation when the war started?
"We were at the peak of activity, with large export orders. At the factory in Kiryat Shemona, the missile strikes came before the sirens. Within two days we found ourselves managing three struggles at the same time: To continue to produce under fire, to urgently provide equipment to the Israeli forces, and to protect our workers while being called up for reserves duty. The staff mobilized without a moment's hesitation. Workers came in for double shifts despite the danger. When asked how they were willing to do this, they replied: 'This is our reserve duty.'"

What was the biggest challenge during this period?
"Because of the danger, we had to move the factory to different locations, and doing that under fire is no small feat. In the past year, we moved six different factories (the breaching factory to three sites and the 3D printing production facility to three sites), and each such move required rebuilding infrastructure, transporting heavy equipment, and recalibrating complex systems. It's like building a new factory every time, yet we didn't stop producing even for a single day."

Despite the challenges SAN was up to the task. Its equipment was used by special forces in operations deep in enemy territory, and at the same time the other company factories supplied critical components to Israel's air defense systems, making the company a key part of supporting the security effort in many sectors and fronts.

As joint CEO of the entire company, which includes other areas besides breaching kits, it was especially exciting to see our equipment in action on two fronts — both in defense against aerial threats and in offensive operations," shares Nakash. "But most of all, I was moved by our employees, residents of the north, who continued to come to the factory under fire to ensure that the forces in the field would get what they need. This is a strong reminder of why we do what we do – this is true Zionism."

Loyalty to roots in the north
While most high-tech companies focus on the center of the country, SAN Tactical chose to stay true to its roots in the north, with three production sites – two in Acre and one in Kiryat Shemona. These two cities, which suffered severe damage during the Iron Swords war, have become symbols of resilience, thanks in part to the company's operations.

It sounds like it's really important to you personally that the company operates from the northern periphery
"We are located in the most challenging peripheral cluster in Israel and this is a strategic decision – to bring innovation and technology to areas that are usually neglected. There is an excellent workforce here that does not have access to quality jobs, and we want to change that."

The commitment to developing the periphery is integrated with the company's technological vision. "We see it as a mission," says Nakash. "To show that it is possible to produce advanced technology even in the periphery – and to do it in a way that will positively impact the region."

One of the main goals that SAN Tactical has set for itself is expanding the use of its technology, so that it can serve diverse clients. "We strive," explains Nakash, "to make our technology more available. The potential for use is enormous. The new product we developed not only makes it easier for the teams in the field, but is also suitable for use in different settings – from police patrol vehicles to fire and rescue teams."

SAN Tactical's factories in the north that survived the threats under fire symbolize the tremendous potential in Israeli industry. The company's success proves that it is possible to produce groundbreaking technologies in the periphery and turn operational challenges into solutions that redefine global security standards.

SAN's business model – a combination of technological innovation with investment in the periphery – has a broad impact in the region. "When delegations from abroad and from Israel visit our factory," says Nakash, "they not only learn about the technology we are developing but are also exposed to the potential of the region. They see the stunning views, bathe in the delta of the streams, breathe the clean air – no one remains indifferent to that."

According to Nakash, visitors often return as tourists. "There is a unique combination of industry, technology and natural beauty here," he says. "And this is the message we convey in every meeting with them – there's a real opportunity here not only for innovation but also for tourism and economic growth. I invite people who are seeking a combination of work and quality of life in the most beautiful area in Israel to think about moving to the area, to rehabilitate and build a future of quality living, good livelihood and enjoyment every day along the way. We are looking for you for a variety of positions, including in civilian fields such as food tech."

What message do you have for other industrialists in the North?
"I strongly believe in the potential of this region. Kiryat Shemona is not just a beautiful place – it is an area with tremendous potential to change the face of industry in the periphery. If SAN was able to turn a vision into reality, there is no doubt that other entrepreneurs can follow a similar path. Together, we can transform the entire area into a hub of innovation and growth."

SAN Tactical
Year established: 1993
Founders: Almog Technical Equipment and Yaakov Segal
Field of activity: Development, production and marketing of tactical breaching equipment and many other security technologies
Leading motto: Combining work and enjoyment

SANTactical.com

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