PREVIEW

Britain’s soldiers are to get a helping hand shooting down drones thanks to an Israeli company’s gadget.


The Smash counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS), developed by Israeli company Smart Shooter, is designed to enhance the accuracy of standard assault rifles.
By integrating precision targeting algorithms and advanced electro-optical processing, the system ensures each round finds its target. It can be fitted to various types of assault rifles and was demonstrated on an L85A3 by a soldier from the 16 Air Assault Brigade.

Smash fire-control systems have been entering service with 16 Air Assault Brigade over the last two months, with one system equipping each platoon.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said: “The importance of uncrewed aerial vehicles on the modern battlefield is undeniable. Alongside procuring, developing and deploying this technology in a range of different ways, we must also be proactive in ensuring our Armed Forces can protect against their use by adversaries.

“Adding this capability to our core equipment programme is another example of us procuring the right kit, at the right time for our personnel.”

Wing Commander Mark Bowden, Programmes Directorate, Counter-UAS SO1, said: “We are very pleased to announce the arrival of the first dismounted C-UAS equipment into the core equipment programme.

“Smash is a proven capability already in service with our allies and partners.

“As we have seen in Ukraine and other operational areas the UAS threat is growing significantly.

“Smash offers significant enhancement to the close combat operator across all three Services, delivering a tactical edge to the dismounted soldier in the C-UAS battle.”

Equipped with a laser rangefinder, Smash enables the destruction of low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at a range of 250 meters in daylight and 100 metres at night. It can also receive target information from external sensors, enhancing its operational versatility.
The new purchase comes despite ongoing political debates in the UK regarding arms sales to Israel. The contract, valued at under £4.6 million, aims to deploy the Smash C-UAS across the armed forces by the end of 2024.
The introduction of the Smash system represents a significant upgrade for the British Army, particularly for the 16 Air Assault Brigade, which has been integrating the technology over the past two months.
According to Smart Shooter, the Smash C-UAS "provides kinetic protection against evolving C-UAS threats to dismounted forces by featuring built-in targeting algorithms that can acquire, track, and hit small drones."
This capability is crucial as modern battlefields increasingly contend with the threat of UAVs.
The recent procurement was first reported by defence and security publication Janes, which highlighted the system's ability to improve battlefield precision and its potential impact on future military engagements.
The British Army's adoption of the Smash system marks a notable advancement in its efforts to counter UAV threats, ensuring that soldiers are better equipped to handle the challenges of modern warfare.