Potential carriers of nuclear weapons in the Israel Defense Forces
According to various estimates and assumptions, Israel has had nuclear weapons for several decades and even built a "nuclear triad" of limited potential. For reasons of national security, such information is not officially confirmed or denied. However, it is clear that the Israel Defense Forces are fully capable of deploying and using nuclear weapons when available. The armament consists of a number of systems, complexes and samples suitable for use as delivery vehicles.
Development processes
Israel's nuclear program started in 1952. The first practical results were obtained in 10-12 years, and in the early seventies, it is believed that the first special ammunition was made. At the same time, nothing is known about the testing of such weapons. There are only versions and assumptions of unclear reliability.
It is assumed that over the past half century, the Israeli industry has managed to generate significant quantities of fissile materials and used them in the manufacture of nuclear warheads. According to foreign data, by the beginning of the XXI century. collected and deployed up to 60-80 such products, and by now their number could reach the level of 150-200 units.
The F-16I is also likely to carry more than conventional bombs. Photo IDF
In the future, on the basis of the existing warheads, it was possible to create a number of ammunition for various purposes for different types of troops. It is assumed that the first to enter the IDF's armament were free-fall bombs of medium and large calibers. The main carrier of such weapons was to be the F-4 fighter-bomber. Subsequently, special ammunition was included in the ammunition load of newer aircraft.
By the time the ammunition appeared, the first ballistic missile of the Jericho family was ready. She could carry a conventional or nuclear warhead weighing up to 400-450 kg and flew 500 km.
The last, at the beginning of the XNUMXs, was the naval component of the nuclear forces. Its basis is considered to be non-nuclear submarines of the Dolphin series, capable of carrying a wide range of missiles and torpedoes. Some of these munitions can be equipped with nuclear charges.
Air carriers
Currently, the IDF Air Force units have more than 300 fighter-bombers of a number of types. All this technology was developed in the United States and built at American or Israeli enterprises. Some aircraft modifications have been modified in accordance with the requirements of the IDF. Fighters with the letters "I" differ from their basic versions by a different composition of equipment and weapons. Such aviation complexes are widely used devices and ammunition of Israeli design.
The newest F-35I. Photo IDF
Apparently, one of the results of this refinement, with or without the participation of the United States, is the possibility of carrying nuclear weapons. Thus, the F-15I "Raam" and F-16I "Sufa" heavy fighters can be potential carriers of special ammunition. According to The Military Balance 2021, in the ranks there is one squadron on the "Raam" in the amount of 25 units. and four squadrons with "Sufs" - 98 units.
In the recent past, deliveries of the "Israeli" version of the F-35A fighter began under the designation F-35I or "Adir". Contractors are currently executing an order for 75 aircraft of this type. Not so long ago, the 30th aircraft was handed over to the customer, and the acquisition of the second squadron continues. In the coming years, new units will be formed / re-equipped.
Rockets on the ground
The first prototype in service with the ground-based component of the nuclear forces was the Jericho-1 ballistic missile, which had long been removed from service. In the mid-eighties, the first Jericho-2 missiles were put on duty, and in the middle of the 3s, the eponymous complex numbered XNUMX appeared. The development of the next member of the family is reported.
Jericho-2 as a launch vehicle. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
In the Jericho-2 project, it was possible to move into the category of intermediate and shorter-range missiles. According to known data, depending on the combat load, such a missile is capable of flying at a range of at least 1500 km. It is supposed to use a conventional or nuclear warhead in a monoblock design.
Rocket "Jericho-3" is distinguished by a three-stage scheme and shows higher characteristics. The throw weight is estimated at 1 ton, and the range can reach 4-6 thousand km. It was also reported that by reducing the combat load, the range could be increased to 10-11 thousand km. Accordingly, Jericho 3 becomes the first Israeli intercontinental missile.
Jericho missiles of two modern types are operated by the 2nd Wing of the IDF Air Force, also known as the Sdot-Mikha base. In the positional area of this compound there are about 100 launchers. Accordingly, the army can simultaneously keep on alert dozens of missiles of each type.
Underwater atom
Since 1999, the IDF naval forces have operated the Type 800 or Dolphin diesel-electric submarines. This project was developed by the German industry on the basis of the existing Type 212, taking into account Israeli requirements and wishes. Construction is carried out at German factories.
Submarine of the Dolphin project. Photo IDF
From 1992 to 1998, the first series of Dolphins of three ships was built. The customer received them and accepted into the Navy in 1999-2000. In 2007, the construction of the second series began, which was completed in 2017. Two submarines of this batch from 2014-16. are serving, and the third is still being tested. The lead submarine of the third series was laid down last year. She is expected in 2026-27.
It was planned to include American-made Tomahawk cruise missiles in the Dolphin submarine ammunition, but the existing restrictions did not allow such an order to be made. In this regard, at the beginning of the two thousandth, its own Popeye Turbo cruise missile was developed and put into service. This product is launched through a torpedo tube and can fly at a range of up to 1500 km. It was reported about the use of only a conventional warhead, but, according to various estimates, it is possible to install a special one.
With the help of Popeye Turbo missiles, Israeli submarines can strike at enemy ground targets at a significant distance from the coast. It is assumed that the Dolphins and Popeye Turbo missiles with nuclear weapons can be used as a means of a guaranteed retaliatory strike and therefore occupy a special place in the enemy's containment system.
Features and their use
In general, a very interesting situation has remained around Israeli nuclear weapons for several decades. Israel has all the necessary technologies to create special ammunition - but is not officially developing them. Nuclear warheads are not in service - but there is a full range of delivery vehicles, which is a kind of classic triad.
Popeye Turbo rocket model. CSIS Photo
It is curious that the bulk of carriers of alleged nuclear weapons are tactical aircraft, while submarines and MRBMs are numbered in units or dozens. Due to the geography of the region, even a fighter with a tactical nuclear bomb, in terms of capabilities and potential, becomes a strategic combat unit. Nevertheless, missiles with operational-tactical potential and means of retaliatory strike have not been forgotten in the structure of the nuclear forces.
As practice shows, such "nuclear forces" are fully consistent with their tasks and have been coping with ensuring the strategic deterrence of a potential adversary for several decades. At the same time, uncertainty in the context of special ammunition should bother the enemy, and open data on the presence of potential carriers show all possible risks.
On the whole, the current situation resembles the old aphorism that Israel has no nuclear weapons and is ready to use them. Indeed, the question of the availability of such weapons remains open, and we are unlikely to find out the correct answer. But at the same time, it is clear that the IDF has all the capabilities, forces and means to use nuclear warheads - if they ever officially "appear" or an appropriate order is issued.
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