"The Air Force is more accurate in urban warfare," Maj. Gen. Sami
Turgeman, chief of Ground Operations Command, said.
The statistics were released at a conference in urban warfare on Nov.
16. Senior commanders said ground forces were not capable of sustained
accurate fire in urban areas.
"The challenge before us is combat against terrorist organizations in
developed areas," Turgeman said. "As a result, our on-the-ground attacks are
not accurate enough and do not always present the best solution."
Officials said the sharp increase in precision air fire reflected
enhanced radar, sensors and missiles. They also cited greater cooperation
between the Air Force and Army to identify and locate targets.
"Strength in combat along with soldiers on various parts of the field
will ameliorate the difficulties in regions such as Lebanon, the Gaza Strip
and others," Turgeman said.
In his address, Ashkenazi said urban warfare also required greater
intelligence requirements. The chief of staff said ground and other forces
must be flexible and capable of rapidly changing maneuvers and tactics.
"Because of the type of enemy we face, the importance of action on the
battlefield and of prior intelligence has increased dramatically," Ashkenazi
said. "We will not be able to go to battle just by being prepared for combat
and knowing the region. When the time comes, we will need background
intelligence."
ShareThis
