Israel is evaluating the M61 Vulcan cannon to counter drone threats along its northern border with Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are testing the cannon, among other solutions, but it is not yet in operational use.
The potential deployment of the M61 Vulcan, a six-barrel Gatling-style rotary cannon capable of firing 6,000 rounds per minute, comes amid clashes with Hezbollah. The Lebanon-based militant group has launched numerous drones and missiles toward Israel, with drone attacks rising significantly in recent months.
Unbelievable! Soon we may be seeing this in Israel. https://t.co/cww80ufzWX pic.twitter.com/N49jdPxc72
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 21, 2024
The Alma Research and Education Center estimates that Hezbollah possesses over 2,500 UAVs for various purposes, including intelligence gathering and attacks. Despite the IDF’s efforts to improve drone detection and interception capabilities along the northern border, including establishing a dedicated unit in the Northern Command, Hezbollah has managed to penetrate Israeli airspace with drones, such as the attack on a military facility in May.
Historically, the M61 Vulcan has been used by the U.S. military on fixed-wing aircraft and by the Israel Air Force since 1975, including a modified version known as the “Racquet.” The weapon was previously mounted on M113 armored personnel carriers, referred to locally as Bardehlas, until its retirement in 2006.
Toyota Prius with a 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon.
The M61 Vulcan fires 4,000 to 6,000 rounds per minute, costing up to $180,000 per minute due to $27 per round.
Early tests blew out the Prius’ windshield from muzzle blast overpressure. pic.twitter.com/92aIanJrVL
— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 4, 2024
The concept of mounting heavy weapons on vehicles, known as “technicals,” is a familiar aspect of irregular warfare. An example includes a Toyota truck equipped with the Vulcan cannon, demonstrating substantial firepower on a relatively basic vehicle.
In response to the drone threat, the IDF has installed drone-detection systems across the northern border and is testing various counter-drone measures, including the Vulcan cannon. Israeli defense companies Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, known for their counter-drone technologies, declined to comment on the matter.
An IDF spokesperson highlighted that multiple solutions are under trial, both in operational and research phases, as part of the military’s strategy to strengthen its defenses. “The military does not have Vulcan cannons at the moment. It, along with other solutions, is being tested in trials within the defense industries as part of our process of building military strength,” the spokesperson stated.
Expanded Coverage:
