Below is an English translation of an article from 2020 in which the IDF promotes the new “Shachar” helmet and the increased protection it offers:
"A Significant Leap for Infantry Fighters": This is the IDF's New Helmet
The Matmon Unit revealed the "Shachar" helmet, which features dramatically improved protection and the ability to connect advanced equipment. "The helmet directly contributes to the survivability and lethality of the soldier."
The IDF recently unveiled the "Shachar" helmet, a new infantry helmet developed and purchased in the United States, which features a range of advanced capabilities compared to older helmets. Unlike the helmets currently in use, the shape of the helmet and the protection area were determined based on impact mapping conducted by the Medical Corps, while also allowing for compatibility with various advanced equipment.
The helmets were procured under the leadership of the Matmon Unit (Operations, Technology, Research, Planning, and Testing) within the Ground Technology Division of the Technology and Logistics Directorate and the Equipment Department of the Ground Forces, out of an understanding that there is a necessity to upgrade the IDF's capabilities in this respect.
Higher Protection and Lethality. The new helmet // Photo: IDF Spokesperson
"The helmet was designed with a broad and multidisciplinary perspective: operational, technical, medical, and ergonomic," said the commander of the Matmon Unit, Colonel Yossi Daniel. "The helmet provides high ballistic and mechanical protection alongside comfort, fitting a wide range of sizes, stability, and interfaces for supplementary equipment carried on the helmet, including night vision devices, flashlights, protection, audio, and so on. The helmet will be supplied with a cover that allows for the integration of energy packs for the night vision device, cable management, balance weights, and more."
The IDF emphasizes that the new helmet provides an increased level of protection compared to the current helmet without an increase in weight. Additionally, it offers compatibility for working with audio protection or tactical communication systems without compromising the protection areas. The helmet cover is adapted to operational needs, including cable management, adapters for balance weights, and so forth. Moreover, the helmet cradle is based on a mesh rather than cushions, which improves passive ventilation of the head and reduces sweat accumulation. It also includes a head harness system (cradle and chin straps) that ensures optimal stability, simplicity, and comfort, particularly when carrying equipment.
"The new helmet represents a significant leap for infantry fighters in the IDF in general, and on the ground in particular," emphasizes the head of the infantry branch in the Equipment Department of the Ground Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Shlomi Buskila. "The commander of the Ground Forces has designated the year 2020 as the year of sharpening operational edge. Therefore, during this year we are implementing significant and innovative processes that will lead to a revolution in the lethality of the soldier according to the changing threats and will strengthen the IDF’s readiness for the next campaign."
Directly contributing to lethality // Photo: IDF Spokesperson
"This idea is also reflected in the equipment that the soldiers receive," he explains. "The helmet is designed to enhance the protection of the soldier and allow them to connect supplementary gear easily and quickly. In this way, the helmet directly contributes to the soldier's survivability and lethality at the operational edge, thereby enhancing their contribution in combat, operational activities, and training."
This is in direct contrast to the response that the IDF provided Ariel Kahane of Israel Hayom on February 15th, 2024 (emphasis added):
*IDF Spokesman's Response* Every fighter who enters Gaza receives the appropriate and safety equipment determined by the professional authorities, including a standard helmet that meets the safety and operational standards of the IDF. The essential difference between the tactical helmets and those that are not is in comfort and weight, and not in the level of safety since the composition of the helmet's materials is similar. The comfort is reflected in rails and devices for connecting means in addition to a more comfortable head harness. The IDF went out for procurement after a tender of tens of thousands of new tactical helmets which will later serve the fighters in maneuvers in general combat arenas.
Key Questions:
Who within the IDF was involved in the development of the Shachar helmet?
If the IDF is proud of developing a safer helmet why would they shy away from this achievement when asked later on?
What “impact mapping” did the medical corps study? Is this research available for the public?
Lt. Col. Shlomi Buskila and Col. Yossi Daniel were proud to attach their names to the Shachar helmet in 2020. Where do they stand on the helmet situation in 2024?
Please help us fix the helmet issue within the IDF and consider a donation to Unit 11741.