Israel’s drones vs. Hamas’ terror tunnels: Who wins?

Maya Carlin November 9, 2023
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Originally published by National Interest

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Hamas utilizes an extensive network of underground tunnels to run its operations. From transporting personnel and weapons to planning out attacks targeting the Jewish state, Hamas’ “terror tunnels” are integral to the functioning of the group.

Now that Israel’s all-out invasion of Gaza is gearing up, one main obstacle for the IDF to overcome is becoming more apparent.

Hamas utilizes an extensive network of underground tunnels to run its operations. From transporting personnel and weapons to planning out attacks targeting the Jewish state, Hamas’ “terror tunnels” are integral to the functioning of the group.

The IDF also believes that the 240+ hostages that were taken by terrorists during the October 7 massacre are being detained in these tunnels. In order for the Israeli government to accomplish its pledge to wipe out every last remnant of Hamas from Gaza, these tunnels must be demolished. However, the complexity of this network makes such a task a daunting one without the right technology.

The Origins of Hamas’ Terror Tunnel Network

Back in 2006, Hamas initiated its tunnel enterprise to smuggle in food, fuel, and other resources amidst the combined Israeli-Egyptian blockade of the enclave. Over the years, these tunnels evolved into being the core of Hamas’ entire apparatus.

When IDF soldiers first stepped foot in these tunnels during Israel’s 2014 war with Hamas, soldiers were stunned by what they saw. Several levels of tunnels equipped with electricity, water and ventilation pipes, and weapons storage rooms indicated just how vast and complex this system had become.

As explained by an Israeli expert on subterranean warfare, “The tunnels don’t just complicate things; they change the very nature of the fight,” adding that “They change the way you have to think about building the invasion at the operational level.

They change the kinds of soldiers you can send. And they put your forces into harm’s way at an unprecedented level.”

Israel is widely considered to be a pinnacle of technological advancements. From cutting-edge medical treatments to its rich start-up culture, the Jewish state is known for its innovative practices. When it comes to defeating Hamas’ vast network of terror tunnels, the IDF’s approach will be no different.

According to reports, robots created by the Tel Aviv-based company Roboteam may be deployed as specialist unmanned ground vehicles for future operations. These “throwbots” are capable of traversing through these narrow tunnels, surveilling the space, and using specialist sensors to detect objects and people. In the IDF’s more recent limited incursions into Gaza, boobytraps and surprise attacks by hidden terrorists were prevalent. These robots can be used to detect and potentially detonate the traps put in place by Hamas before troops ever enter.

Smart Software and AI Drones to Obliterate Hamas Tunnels

Israel’s drone arsenal will also be put to the test in combatting Hamas’ tunnel system. Specifically, UAVs equipped with anti-collision sensors and rotor blades will be deployed as they have the ability to underground. This smart software known as Simultaneous Location and Mapping enables a drone or robot to create a 3D model of the space it is traveling through, making the need for GPS obsolete. Artificial drones, including the Nova 2, can use path planning and other algorithms to autonomously navigate complex underground systems. According to the drone’s manufacturer, the Nova 2 creates “an unrivaled common operating picture of the battlefield.”

Maya Carlin
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