R Krishna Das
America leaves Afghanistan and also a huge cache of weapon systems! But could the Taliban that took over get their hands on sophisticated Israeli weapons that hunt them for almost two decades?
Israeli troops have never been on the ground in the war-torn central Asian country but a number of America’s coalition nations used Israeli systems during the fight against the radical jihadist terrorist group. It was not only Israeli weapons systems in Afghanistan but countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and Australia used their products for years.
One of the main Israeli weapons systems used by foreign militaries in Afghanistan was drones.
Many allies used remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) to collect intelligence. Israeli-made SPIKE missiles were used in battle. Troops were also able to drive around safely in high-intensity areas in Israeli-made MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) military light tactical vehicles.
The German Air Force began operating the Heron TP, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), in Afghanistan in 2010. The German pilots were specially trained in Israel to operate the RPA. The Canadian military and the Australians also flew IAI’s Heron 1 RPA in Afghanistan. The Australian Army also used Skylark 1 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufactured by Elbit Systems.
In addition to RPAs, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ Spike NLOS (Non-Line of Sight) missile was used by both the British and Canadians in Afghanistan. The missile’s precision proved useful in battles against the Taliban. The Spike NLOS is capable of penetrating 39 inches of armor, and can be operated in either direct attack or mid-course navigation based on target coordinates only. These modes enable the defeat of long-range hidden targets with pinpoint precision, damage assessment, and the obtaining of real-time intelligence. It has a range of 25 km. and can be used with a number of warheads
In a surprise turn of event, the Afghan forces trained and equipped by America surrendered before the Taliban who captured Kabul at lightning speed after the United States announced to withdraw by August end. The Taliban solidifies its power over the country and the jihadist group has also obtained advanced American weaponry including some drones. But they reportedly failed to bag the modern and sophisticated weapons from Israel.
Canada, Britain and Germany were the countries that used mostly the Israeli-made systems in the Afghan war. And they had ended their fight several years ago and returned with their man and machines much before the Taliban takeover.
