Israel’s ammunition producer Rafael advanced Defense System has introduced a new version of SPICE-bomb with the deep-learning algorithm. This technology helps the bombs itself to learn from previous strikes and aim better next time. Hardly 75 Kg weighted this system is reportedly more efficient. The SPICE (Smart, Precise Impact, Cost-Effective) 250 gliding bomb has the ability to fly around 100 meters above its target for striking.
The system is built to be less dependent upon GPS and more on a human trait, that is a memory. Electro-optic scene-matching technology helps it identify the visuals of the terrain. Before rapidly dropping the bomb. The system is also built with the ability to identify stationary objects from moving one and identifying them in case if an object changes the location.
Gideon Weiss, Rafael’s deputy general manager of marketing and business development at the company’s air and C4I division, told media
“The deep-learning algorithm is indifferent to the actual data fed to it for modeling targets of interest and embedding their pertaining characteristics into the system,” he further said “However, the more the data used for modeling is representative of the target of interest, the more robust the recognition probability will be in real life.”
The bombs are deployed underneath the fighter jet via Smart Quad Rack (SQR), that serves as the data center too. Along with restoring and firing the bombs, it also collects and analyzes the images of its target for the next attempt. Before sticking the ground and exploding, all the information the bomb has collected during its free fall motion, it transfers that information to the next-in-line bomb for a better strike. The process built a two-way communication, simultaneously recorded by SQR that enable two functions.
(a) real-time and post-mission BDI (Bomb Damage Indication)
(b) post-mission target data extraction for intel updates,
The ATR [automatic target recognition] capability, including its deep learning updates, is built with the purpose of identifying enemy’s ability to conceal and/or change its battlefield footprint, tactics, appearance or anything else which might impede the ATR from accurately recognizing and destroying targets. SPICE is more like an assistant that helps the pilot to inflict maximum damage with minimum input.
Rafael was founded by Israel’s National R&D Defense Laboratory 1948. Later in 2002, the company established itself as an independent entity, under the Israeli Government. After failed Balakot strike, India has announced to purchase SPICE bombs and SPICE Bunker buster.