The IDF has begun installing protective anti-drone netting at military positions inside the Gaza Strip amid growing concerns that terrorists could introduce fiber-optic-controlled drones similar to those encountered during the fighting in Lebanon, according to a report Monday by Channel 12 News.

Israeli military officials are increasingly concerned that the technology, which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and can be smuggled into conflict zones, could eventually reach terrorist organizations operating in Gaza and pose a serious danger to Israeli soldiers stationed in forward positions.

Unlike conventional drones that depend on radio signals for communication with their operators, fiber-optic drones transmit commands through a thin cable connected to the aircraft. This makes them particularly difficult to neutralize using traditional electronic jamming systems, which are designed to disrupt wireless communications.

Rather than waiting for the threat to materialize, the IDF’s Southern Command and Technology and Logistics Directorate have begun implementing physical defensive measures intended to protect soldiers and military infrastructure against potential drone attacks.

As part of an initial pilot program, specialized protective netting has already been installed at three Israeli military outposts located beyond the Gaza border fence. The barriers are designed to provide an additional layer of protection against drones attempting to enter or strike military positions.

The pilot project is expected to serve as the foundation for a broader fortification effort covering other vulnerable IDF positions in Gaza over the coming months.

Military officials emphasized that fiber-optic-controlled drones have not yet been used in the Gaza Strip. Nevertheless, the IDF believes that lessons learned during operations in Lebanon make it necessary to prepare for the possibility that terrorist groups in Gaza could acquire similar capabilities.

The army’s experience confronting drone threats along the northern border has demonstrated the limitations of conventional electronic countermeasures against aircraft controlled through physical cables, prompting the development of additional protective systems.

Despite the preparations underway in Gaza, the IDF’s immediate priority remains strengthening defenses along the Lebanese front.

Under instructions issued by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the military will first complete the installation of protective measures at all relevant positions in Lebanon before significantly expanding the anti-drone netting program in Gaza.

Once the northern fortification effort is completed, the army intends to extend the protective systems to additional positions in the Gaza Strip as part of its preparations for emerging threats to Israeli forces.

{Matzav.com}