IDF force precisely targets Hamas rocket launcher in Gaza using Iron Sting
(Video: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
Soldiers from the Maglan Special Forces Unit made the first operational use of the Iron Sting precision mortar munition, targeting a Hamas rocket-launching site in the Gaza Strip that had been firing rockets into Israeli territory, the military reported on Sunday.
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The Iron Sting is a 120 mm mortar munition equipped with both laser and GPS guidance, allowing for pinpoint strikes on terror targets within urban environments, increasing the effectiveness of the strikes while minimizing the risk to civilians. The defense establishment is currently ramping up its production to equip all mortar divisions, extending its availability beyond just elite units.
This innovation elevates traditional mortar munitions to the precision level of missiles and aerial or ground munitions typically used by the Air Force or artillery. Despite its high accuracy, the Iron Sting also stands out due to its immediate availability in vast quantities and cost-effectiveness.
The first operational deployment of the precision mortar munition was carried out by the Iron Sting team from Maglan's reserve unit, initially engaging targets in the Gaza Strip on the fourth day of the war before shifting its focus to targets in Lebanon, such as junctions used by Hezbollah terrorists attempting to escape after attacking Israeli forces and assets along the border.
In total, Maglan reserve soldiers fired 12 precision mortars from the ground, about half toward Gaza and the rest toward Lebanon, in addition to 50 regular mortars fired since fighting began.
Produced by Elbit Systems, the Iron Sting is equipped with a precision warhead, capable of striking targets with high accuracy and neutralizing threats, ranging from enemy cells and vehicles to specific window-level targets.
Major (res.) N. from Kibbutz Ma'ale Hahamisha quickly responded as a civilian to defend his kibbutz from a terrorist invasion during the Oct. 7 surprise attack. However, within a few hours, he was back in uniform, serving as the team leader for the Iron Sting in Maglan's reserve mortar unit.
"We lost soldiers in our platoon, but we also eliminated terrorists in clashes and with the Iron Sting. By deploying the mortar within seconds, coordinating with the Air Force to complete the cycle in five minutes, we achieved lethal and precise strikes on targets. This was done for Maglan teams and neighboring forces, like the 101st Battalion that requested our fire support," he recounted.
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Iron Sting precision mortar munition mounted on armored personnel carrier
(Photo: Defense Ministry)
"We have plenty of ammunition and are asking for more targets from intelligence. We are even prepared to fire from within Gaza during a maneuver.
In 2021, the Defense Ministry said that the precision mortar is effective in both open terrains and dense urban environments, minimizing collateral damage and preventing harm to uninvolved civilians. "Its operational deployment will revolutionize ground warfare, providing battalions with new capabilities of precise, efficient, organic firepower that can be deployed autonomously."
Col. Omer Cohen, commander of the special operations 89th Brigade, said, "Thanks to our precision, lethality and the expertise of our fighters, the Maglan unit, in collaboration with the Air Force, neutralized dozens of terrorists using various means, one of which is the Iron Sting precision mortar. Since the beginning of the war, the 89th Brigade has aggressively countered the enemy's brutal assault and eliminated more than 100 terrorists in the Gaza Strip. The Maglan, Egoz and Duvdevan units, both regular and reserve, will respond to every call and target every enemy, ensuring their elimination."