October 2006
ZAYAD & Israel Military Reorganization
http://www.defense-update.com/products/z/zayad.htm
Elbit Systems
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) "Ground Forces Digitalization" Program (Hebrew acronym ZAYAD) aims at linking the "sensors" and "shooters" across all command levels, down to the single soldier.
The program will improve inter-networking of task forces and units operating throughout the theater of operation, enable flexible formation of combined task forces and improve the coordination and situational awareness at all levels of operations. The program will integrate to existing systems, including the strategic command, and battle management systems, currently available below the brigade level. The program will also integrate with the IDF future infantry combat system, currently under development at Elbit.
ZAYAD at the Division Level
Computerized TOC
Tactical Internet Implementation
Zayad / Israel's Digital Army
Program update
Elbit Systems
The first phase of the IDF Digital Army Program
(DAP) is based on Elbit System's TORC2H Command and
Control (C2) system. Since its
fielding in 2005 the system has improved the management and control of military operations
along the borders, within the area of the west bank and around the Gaza strip, and seals
the border from infiltration. Every vehicle in the brigades equipped with the
system links to TORC2H via wireless communications, utilizing vehicle mounted toughbook
ruggedized laptop computers, and PC workstations in command posts. Ruggedized PDAs are
used on dismounted operations. The system provides real-time situational assessment, and
efficient command and control of operations, sensors and intercepts.
Three types of command posts will be used static, deployed (using tents, mobile
shelters, trucks and APCs, which could also be used as mobile CPs) and LIC CPs, located at
fixed sites. Deployed CPs will demand much of the spending on hardware, to replace today's
divisional HQ's tent cities. The new DCP will have many advantages. New networking
architecture will reduced electromagnetic and thermal signatures by using remote
controlled radio emitters, and flexible deployments distributed over wide area, reduce
visible signature. Operations centers will be assembled in "expando" 20 foot
ISO-containers, (PLD) which are expanded into triple-wide work area when deployed. Each
shelter will use standard pre-configured COTS power distribution, intercommunications,
PCs, networking and communications hardware to simplify operation and logistics support.
Deployment of DAP is planned in a spiral cycle. The initial deployment of phase 1 also
known as Masua 20 was announced in March 2005, followed by deployment of phase 2 (LIC
phase I or Masua 100) July 2005, just in time to support the IDF disengagement from Gaza.
At this phase DAP is expected to include five brigades. Version 3 is expected to support
LIC operations at the divisional level (Masua 200). Version 4, the fully deployed system,
will be designated Masua 600.
TORC2H's user interface is optimized for functionality and ease of use at tactical field
levels. The system reduces voice communications over crowded combat net radio networks,
accelerates decision making, and enables small units to effectively cooperate in combined
arms operations. Although TORC2H was designed specifically for LIC, the IDF plans to use
similar systems and identical user interfaces as common system for all levels of conflict.
Current systems are deployed in specific areas but ultimately, the system will not be
associated with a specific territory or command, and should enable unit's redeployment to
different commands or theaters without degradation of service. The system comprises a
flexible order-of battle force structuring, to enable efficient teaming at all levels,
maximizing the utilization of scarce resources, such as UAV, helicopters, precision guided
weapons, etc, which are not assigned to the combat units on a permanent basis.
* This update was presented at a conference held at the IDEF defense show in Turkey, September 2005
ZAYAD Israel Military
October 2006