Israel Aerospace Industries debuted its OTHELLO-P Gunfire Detection System this week at the onset of the Eurosatory defense conference in Paris.
The world-renowned defense and security exhibition showcases cutting-edge technology to large international audiences. Israel’s Ministry of Defense International Defense Cooperation Directorate, SIMBAT, is expected to introduce technology from 56 local companies. Among these, the presentation of IAI’s passive, high-performance Gunfire Detection System is groundbreaking. By allowing combat forces to obtain a full and clear operational picture, this system provides ample threat detection for transient units in warfare. Due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, many nations are increasing their military spending. The OTHELLO-P’s advanced attributes will likely emerge as one of Israel’s top exports in the near future.
Superior Awareness at All Times
Equipped with integrated artificial intelligence processing, the new system is unparalleled in its capabilities. The all-weather compact sensor can be used by troops to engage targets at day or at night, regardless of weather conditions.
The OTHELLO-P’s design enables it to detect, locate, and alert its users to approaching gunfire from a variety of weapons, including snipers, subsonic munitions and small arms. One of the system’s most sophisticated capabilities is its ability to operate on moving machinery, in addition to stand-alone configurations. It can function on main battle tanks, armored fighting vehicles, and even unmanned aerial vehicles. This capability makes the system a significant asset for ground forces that are often on the move.
As detailed by IAI, “The fusion of the electro-optics (EO) technology and acoustics sensors provides the troops in the field more accurate and versatile solutions for present and future challenges. The OTHELLO-P is a light weight, low power, unique passive solution with 360-degree coverage enabling very short and accurate sensor-to-shooter loop closing, thus providing protection and neutralization of threats in the area.”
These improvements incorporated into OTHELLO-P’s design were specifically tailored to the needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
While the new system was not designed for use by Ukrainian forces, its capabilities would certainly yield results in the ongoing conflict. IAI’s Director of Marketing alluded that the OTHELLO-P could elevate the situational awareness of militaries, including in Ukraine, by providing troops with the situational awareness that the current stage of warfare in that country demands.
A Force to Be Reckoned With
In recent years, Israel has become a weapons-exporting powerhouse. In 2021 alone, the Jewish state exported $3.3 billion dollars in defense equipment. Since Russia began its offensive against Ukraine in February, many European countries are interested in increasing their militaries’ defense budgets. This shift bodes well for Israel’s growing export potential. According to The Jerusalem Post, 41% of Israel’s exports last year can be attributed to sales in Europe – up from 30% the year prior.
Although IAI has not identified potential customers for its OTHELLO-P system by name, international interest in the cutting-edge Gunfire Detection System is extremely high. As the Eurosatory exhibition continues this week, additional technological debuts by Israeli companies will be met with eager anticipation.
Maya Carlin is a Middle East Defense Editor with 19FortyFive. She is also an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel.
