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Israel unveils game-changing artillery technology
An Israeli-made Ro’em self-propelled artillery system, aptly named “thunder” in Hebrew, has been showcased in action. According to Ehud Bibi, the chief artillery officer of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), this system signifies “a new era” due to its enhanced speed and precision on the battlefield. (IDF Video)
JERUSALEM: The Israel Defense Forces have unveiled a cutting-edge self-propelled howitzer designed to counter Hezbollah threats in Lebanon. This advanced artillery system serves as a crucial defensive measure against potential Hezbollah assaults.
Named Ro’em, meaning thunder in Hebrew, this artillery could become pivotal if the fragile ceasefire, now in its tenth day, collapses between Israel and Hezbollah. Diplomatic discussions aimed at disarming Hezbollah, involving ambassadors from Lebanon and Israel, are scheduled for Thursday in Washington D.C. The ceasefire was established last Thursday.
Ehud Bibi, the IDF’s Chief Artillery Officer, expressed to Fox News Digital, “The Ro’em introduces a transformative capability to our Artillery Corps and the IDF overall, revolutionizing our approach to battlefield firepower. This is a historic development, ushering in an era of increased precision, speed, and adaptability, thereby enhancing our support for ground forces.”
An undated image showcases the Israeli Ro’em self-propelled artillery system, representing the IDF’s advancements in next-generation artillery technology. (IDF)
According to the IDF statement, “During the activity, the troops conducted precise artillery fire on several Hezbollah anti-tank and surface-to-surface missile launch positions, from which attacks had been launched against IDF troops. The firing was effective, achieving operational results and introducing new artillery capabilities, thereby reducing the threat posed to IDF troops and Israeli civilians.”
The IDF said the launches were purely defensive attacks against Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists during the truce. The howitzer can fire roughly 40 kilometers (about 25 miles). A team of three IDF soldiers operate the Ro’em.
Elbit Systems stated on its website that it’s “capable of automatic loading and laying of the gun system, rapid in-and-out action times and high rate of fire. It offers a protected cabin for a crew of three.” Adding that, “Depending on the mission, SIGMA is capable of automatically selecting and loading the required projectile, propellant and fuze and laying the gun to optimally engage targets.” Also known as SIGMA, the Ro’em is produced by South Carolina-based subsidiary of Elbit Systems of America.
Israeli Ro’em self-propelled artillery system is seen in an undated image, part of the IDF’s next-generation artillery capabilities. (IDF)
Hezbollah violated a previous November 2024 ceasefire, which was brokered by the U.S., when it launched missiles into Israel on March 2 in response to the joint Israel-Iran war on Iran’s regime. The Lebanese government and the Lebanese Armed Forces failed to adhere to a deadline in 2025 to disarm Hezbollah.
The United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 also required that Hezbollah be disarmed following the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon.
According to an IDF statement sent to Fox News Digital about the modern howitzer, last Tuesday, “Troops from the 282nd Fire Brigade of the Artillery Corps, led by the ‘Ro’em’ branch at the Mali (Ground Training Center) Fire Center, conducted… their first operational firing using the “Ro’em” howitzer, in support of IDF troops operating in northern Israel.”
The statement continued that “The ‘Ro’em”’is a new howitzer recently introduced into IDF service, bringing advanced and innovative capabilities to the battlefield. It significantly increases the rate of fire, enables engagement at longer ranges compared to existing systems, and provides enhanced mobility and maneuverability in the field.
Hezbollah attacks on Israel since March 2 resulted in the killing of 2 civilians and 15 Israeli soldiers. Reuters reported that Hezbollah has not disclosed its casualty figures.
Hezbollah worked to build facilities below private residential buildings and houses. (Benoît Durand / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images)
Lebanese authorities report that nearly 2,300 people in Lebanon have been killed since March 2. Those figures don’t differentiate between Hezbollah terrorists and civilians.
Speaking at a Memorial Day event for the country’s fallen troops, the country’s defense Minister Israel Katz pledged to ensure that Israelis in the north, who have faced massive aerial attacks from Hezbollah, will be secure.
“Even as we gather here to honor our fallen, after weeks of determined operations by IDF forces in southern Lebanon, our commitment to the residents of the north remains clear and unequivocal, to bring them security,” Katz said. He noted that “If the Lebanese government continues not to fulfill its obligations, the IDF will do so through continued military activity.”