Jan. 26, 2011 / 8:21 AM

New tank rounds for Israeli troops

An Israeli soldier guides a Merkava tank at a temporary camp near Kibbutz Mefalsim, outside northern Gaza, June 28, 2006. Israel launched a ground and air offensive on the Gaza Strip early today in an effort to force the release an abducted Israeli soldier. (UPI Photo/Debbie Hill)

An Israeli soldier guides a Merkava tank at a temporary camp near Kibbutz Mefalsim, outside northern Gaza, June 28, 2006. Israel launched a ground and air offensive on the Gaza Strip early today in an effort to force the release an abducted Israeli soldier. (UPI Photo/Debbie Hill) | License Photo

RAMAT HASHARON, Israel, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Israel has equipped troops along the Gaza Strip with new, programmable multipurpose tank rounds.

The rounds were developed by government-owned Israel Military Industries Ltd. and designed for Merkava MK3 and MK4 tanks and other main battle tanks equipped using 120mm, smooth-bore guns.

"The advanced tank round has been developed by IMI as a response to an urgent request by the (Israeli military) armored corps, based on lessons learned in the 2006 Second Lebanon War and the 2008 Cast Lead Operation," the company said in a news release.

The fuse on the high-explosive, multipurpose M339 round -- called Kalanit -- can be programmed after it is loaded in the chamber, giving tank crews increased capability in all fighting scenarios.

When used against fortified structures or bunkers, the round penetrates the obstacle before detonating and scattering thousands of deadly fragments.

The company said the M339 recently completed field trials and is with the Israeli armored corps along the border with the Gaza Stip.

Read More

Austin visits Ukraine, voices U.S. support against Russian aggression

Defense News // 3 years ago

Austin visits Ukraine, voices U.S. support against Russian aggression

Oct. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Ukraine continues to have U.S. support against Russian aggression and is free to decide its own foreign policy during a visit to Kyiv Tuesday.

Citing Russian occupation, U.S. signs new defense pact with Georgia

Defense News // 3 years ago

Citing Russian occupation, U.S. signs new defense pact with Georgia

Oct. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed a new security agreement with Georgia Monday, seeking to buttress relations with the Black Sea nation as it continues to face Russian troops in two of its regions.

Pentagon orders all civilian employees to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 22

Defense News // 3 years ago

Pentagon orders all civilian employees to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 22

Oct. 4 (UPI) -- The Pentagon on Monday ordered all Department of Defense civilian employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by no later than Nov. 22.

Army investigating suspected suicides of three Fort Drum soldiers

Defense News // 3 years ago

Army investigating suspected suicides of three Fort Drum soldiers

Sept. 29 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army is investigating the suspected suicides of three soldiers based at New York's Fort Drum.

Four Marines remain hospitalized month after suicide bombing at Afghan airport

Defense News // 3 years ago

Four Marines remain hospitalized month after suicide bombing at Afghan airport

Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Four U.S. Marines remain hospitalized after an attack near Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, last month as service members were evacuating foreign nationals and refugees.

South Korean firm to supply rapid COVID-19 test kits to U.S. military

Defense News // 3 years ago

South Korean firm to supply rapid COVID-19 test kits to U.S. military

SEOUL, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- South Korean biopharmaceutical firm Celltrion has agreed to supply its DiaTrust rapid COVID-19 test kit to the U.S. military.

Army tests MK-22 Precision Sniper Rifle at Fort Bragg ahead of fielding

Defense News // 3 years ago

Army tests MK-22 Precision Sniper Rifle at Fort Bragg ahead of fielding

Sept. 23 (UPI) -- The Army has successfully tested the MK-22 Precision Sniper Rifle to clear it for fielding.

U.S. Navy, Bahrain partner to ramp up unmanned systems use

Defense News // 3 years ago

U.S. Navy, Bahrain partner to ramp up unmanned systems use

Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Bahraini leaders committed Thursday to partnering with a new U.S. Navy task force to ramp up new unmanned system efforts.

U.S. F-16 fighter jets intercept Cessna during U.N. General Assembly

Defense News // 3 years ago

U.S. F-16 fighter jets intercept Cessna during U.N. General Assembly

Sept. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. fighter jets escorted a small plane flown by a U.S. Army soldier out of restricted air space over New York City during the United Nations General Assembly.

U.S. Space Force to take over SATCOM operations from Army, Navy

Defense News // 3 years ago

U.S. Space Force to take over SATCOM operations from Army, Navy

Sept. 22 (UPI) -- The U.S. Space Force will take over satellite communications billets, funding and mission responsibility from the U.S. Army and Navy, the Department of Defense announced Wednesday.