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IDF Scales Up Robotic APCs in Gaza to Clear Booby-Trapped Buildings

Army Radio reports a reusable explosives carrier now neutralizes traps before ground forces enter.

Overview

  • Since the Gaza City push began, robotic armored vehicles have been operating autonomously in high-risk areas to detonate terror infrastructure, according to Galei Tzahal.
  • An upgraded device lets repurposed Zelda APCs deposit an explosives box, withdraw to safety, and trigger a blast described as comparable to two heavy bombs.
  • The system is now deployed dozens of times each day, largely at night, with the IDF estimating thousands of explosive devices have been neutralized and many soldiers' lives saved.
  • An initial approach used 'suicide' APCs that detonated with their payloads, costing about 20–30 vehicles, and Gazans have labeled the machines 'suicide APCs' on social media.
  • The IDF is testing unmanned logistics carriers and armed variants with machine guns, and it is considering submitting the program for the Israel Defense Prize.