TechIsrael unveils super bomb, first displayed in the current conflict

Israel unveils super bomb, first displayed in the current conflict

Israeli F-16 with a suspended SPICE-2000 bomb
Israeli F-16 with a suspended SPICE-2000 bomb
Images source: © X

1:17 PM EST, November 18, 2023

An image surfacing on Platform X, previously known as Twitter, exhibits an Israeli F-16 fighter jet equipped with a SPICE-2000 bomb deployed under its wing. This could be the most formidable arsenal Israel possesses for its ongoing conflict with Hamas, which might have been used already.

This image was shared via Channel X by the Israeli Air Force. SPICE is a series of bombs designed in Israel, with its name being an acronym for Smart, Precise Impact, Cost-Effective. The SPICE equipage transforms conventional bombs into smart precision weapons. The SPICE variants 250, 1000, and 2000, represent their weights in pounds. Hence, a SPICE-2000 bomb weighs approximately 2,000 pounds.

The immense capability of SPICE-2000

A SPICE warhead encompasses an inertial navigation system, along with a GPS system. The operators can receive continuous visual data from the bomb's cameras till the moment it detonates, and can adjust its path with foldable wings that can extend the bomb's range up to 37 miles. This results in an incredibly precise strike, with the margin of error being a mere 10 feet. Its satellite-guided feature enables a "drop and forget" mode of operation.

The SPICE-2000 bomb is equipped with an automatic target detection system powered by artificial intelligence and also has the capability to hit moving targets, including naval ones. It can be mounted on F-15, F-16, or F-35 fighters present in the Israeli fleet. Promotional materials from Rafael and Diehl Defence suggest the Eurofighter Typhoon fighters can also be armed with SPICE family bombs.

The reasoning behind Israel publicizing an image of SPICE-2000

It raises the question of why the Air Force chose to publicize an image of their most potent bomb during the current strife with Hamas. Experts at the OSINTechnical channel reason that this could be a warning of the destruction of the residence of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas' political office. It is highly plausible that the SPICE-2000 bomb was deployed during this mission.

Israel launched an airstrike on the home of the Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip on the intervening night of November 15-16. While Ismail Haniyeh is presently in Qatar, there are rumors that his property was being used as a "terrorist infrastructure".