The Spike Firefly. Photo: Rafael
By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
In a significant development, the Israel Defense Force (IDF) employed a groundbreaking kamikaze drone, the Rafael Spike Firefly (Maoz in Hebrew), in an offensive role in Gaza last week. This marked the first operational use of the cutting-edge drone, demonstrating its effectiveness in combat situations.
IDF soldiers successfully identified and targeted a terrorist cell in the Shejaiya neighborhood using the Spike Firefly, as reported by The Jerusalem Post. The operation destroyed Hamas’ Shejaiya brigade headquarters, dealing a blow to the terrorist organization. The exact number of militants killed in the strike was not specified by the Israeli outlet.
The Spike Firefly, designed for urban environments, played a crucial role in this offensive operation. Weighing 3 kilograms (6.61 pounds), the drone is equipped with a 350-gram (12.6-ounce) fragmentation or shaped charge warhead. Its range extends to 500 meters (1,640 feet) in urban areas and double that in open spaces, with an endurance of 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the battery configuration. In standby mode, the drone can operate for up to two hours.
Featuring a tube-shaped coaxial rotorcraft design, the Firefly incorporates dual infrared and electro-optical seekers, along with proximity sensors. This advanced technology enables the drone to detect, identify, and track agile targets, making it particularly effective in urban combat scenarios.
The deployment of the Spike Firefly showcases the IDF’s commitment to employing cutting-edge technology to enhance its capabilities on the battlefield. As conflicts in urban areas present unique challenges, the drone’s design is specifically tailored to address limited situational awareness, adversaries taking cover, and the proximity of non-combatants.
In addition to its use in Gaza, a video uploaded by the Palestinian TubasTimes Telegram channel revealed the drone being utilized in the West Bank city of Jenin. The IDF’s adoption of the Spike Firefly represents a significant advancement in drone technology and its application in modern warfare.