Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) unveils the Rotem Alpha – An antitank, Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL), tactical loitering munition which breaks the conventional warfare mindset and represents a revolution in both the technical and operational capabilities of loitering munitions. Equipped with a field-proven antitank warhead, a top-grade sensor suite, and long mission endurance, the Rotem Alpha brings unmatched advantages to tactical units requiring antitank force. The Rotem Alpha, presented for the very first time at the DSEI London has a long endurance both while in the air and when parked in perch mode.
It can fly and hover at a low-altitude profile to build situational awareness and execute an attack, despite adverse weather conditions. Rotem Alpha’s sensor suite autonomously detects and locates hostile enemy fires, like artillery, rockets, and missile launchers, and then investigates and engages a direct attack using its electro-optical day and night seeker. Rotem Alpha is man portable. Alternatively, it can be dismounted from a vehicle. Carried in a backpack or deployed from a vehicle, this loitering munition is ready for takeoff in less than two minutes. As a VTOL platform, it can be launched and landed between trees, structures, and other types of harsh terrain.
IAI’s President and CEO, Boaz Levy said: “Rotem Alpha is an innovative portable anti-tank loitering munition, leveraging IAI’s heritage of combat proven Loitering Munitions. Rotem Alpha adresses the up-to-date requirements of the modern battlefield. It’s unique capabilities provide a key military advantage to the fighting unit .”
Used by a variety of forces for a wide range of missions, the ROTEM Alpha is deployed for operations on land, coastlines, naval ships, and other scenarios. A single operator controls the ROTEM Alpha via a Ground Control System (GCS). The operator can command the ROTEM Alpha to perch on a building or hill until the enemy rears its head, then surprise ambush the enemy. ROTEM Alpha can hover over a certain area mid-air, scan for the target, and wait for operator’s command to attack. If no target is chosen or operator decides to abort, the ROTEM Alpha is recoverable. Equipped with a top grade sensor suite, ROTEM Alpha autonomously detects and locates enemy hostile fire sources like artillery, rockets, and missiles launchers, then investigates and engages a direct attack using its electro-optical day and night seeker. Upon proximity, command, or impact on target, it will ignite a lethal shaped charge and shrapnel warhead able to penetrate armored targets. This ROTEM ALPHA is a hunter-killer that leaves no room for the enemy to escape.
