Many NATO armies may not be prepared for large-scale urban warfare. Israel’s operation in Gaza serves as a test case for what they may need. The biggest lesson learned is the importance of arming infantry platoons with as much firepower as possible. Urban warfare in Gaza has exposed a harsh reality for NATO: many of its armies are ill-equipped for combat in crowded cities.
The Israel Defense Forces have successfully adapted new weapons and tactics in Gaza, such as arming tactical units with missiles and drones instead of relying on support from aircraft and artillery, according to a recent British study. However, the British Army lacks the necessary equipment to replicate Israeli tactics.
A report by the Royal United Services Institute warns that British troops, while trained to fight like the IDF, are equipped to die like Hamas. The British Army, along with many European armies that declined after the Cold War, is understrength, underequipped, and underfunded. Even some American experts express concerns about the US Army’s capabilities in urban warfare.
It is crucial for NATO armies to study how the IDF, known for its innovative tactics and high-tech equipment, is navigating the challenges of battling Hamas in Gaza’s labyrinthine streets and high-rises. Urban warfare has become a common feature of modern conflict, and Gaza’s complex terrain presents additional obstacles with its extensive tunnel network used by Hamas.
Israel’s approach to combat in Gaza, termed “Devastated Terrain Warfare,” emphasizes the significance of firepower in urban warfare. Arming tactical units, such as infantry platoons, with sufficient firepower is essential for success. The use of small attack drones and anti-tank missiles by lower echelon units proved effective in monitoring urban terrain and conducting precision strikes.
Lessons from Gaza also highlight the importance of air defense and the impact of airpower on maneuverability in urban warfare. Aerial bombing from medium altitude can effectively destroy urban strongholds and limit the defender’s ability to concentrate forces. While the Israeli operations in Gaza offer valuable insights, they may not be directly applicable to all conflicts due to varying enemy capabilities and tactics.
In conclusion, the lessons learned from Israel’s operations in Gaza underscore the evolving nature of urban warfare and the need for NATO armies to adapt their strategies and equipment to effectively combat in densely populated environments. Síganlo en Twitter y LinkedIn.
Leer el artículo original en Business Insider