Israel has created and is already using a robotic bulldozer against militants
The Israeli Defence Forces have begun to use Robdozer unmanned armoured bulldozers on a limited basis during the fighting against Hamas in Gaza, allowing them to perform dangerous tasks without risking their crews.
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The Israeli military has developed a remotely controlled version of the Caterpillar D9 armoured bulldozer called Robdozer for combat use in the Gaza Strip. This is a heavily armoured engineering machine that has traditionally been used to clear debris, pave roads and support combat units on the front line.
The new unmanned version has been used on a limited basis, but during a demonstration operation, an operator controlled the bulldozer from an exhibition area in the US state of Alabama, while the machine performed tasks in Israel.
According to representatives of Israel Aerospace Industries, the robotic version of the D9 is capable of performing the full range of combat missions even more efficiently than the crewed version. Among its main advantages is the ability to operate in hostile areas without the presence of military personnel, reducing the risk of personnel losses.
In the course of combat operations in dense urban areas, D9 bulldozers were often used to demolish buildings and clear areas under constant fire. They weigh up to 65 tonnes, are equipped with anti-cumulative grids and can withstand powerful explosions. Cases have been recorded where the crew survived even after being hit by a 500kg landmine.
Israeli troops used the so-called "Nohal Sir Lachatz" tactic - bulldozers broke through residential areas, destroying buildings with militants to avoid losses during small arms battles. The equipment is also widely used to build fortifications, evacuate damaged armoured vehicles and clean up after battles.
Source: Times of Israel
