(Jerusalem Post) Yaakov Katz - The U.S. Army began using Israeli reconnaissance equipment in Afghanistan this week with the delivery of three tactical aerostat systems - large hot-air balloons - that will be used to protect American soldiers. The Skystar-180 carries an advanced electro-optical sensor comprised of a daytime camera and a nighttime sensor with a target detection range of 4 km. The balloon can be assembled and launched within 15 minutes. Skystar systems are in use by the IDF, Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, the Israeli police, and other militaries for border protection, intelligence operations and homeland security. In addition, in 2010, five NATO members in Afghanistan were operating UAVs produced in Israel, including Germany, Australia, Spain, France and Canada.
2011-07-14 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive