Equipment
SAN Tacq
Introduction
In the early 2000s, Israel faced an unprecedented wave of terror. Suicide bombers targeted civilians daily, detonating explosives in buses, restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs, leaving devastation in their wake. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were tasked with countering this new reality—dismantling terror cells operating in crowded urban environments where armed combatants were often interspersed with uninvolved civilians.Confronted with these challenges, Israeli Special Forces recognized that traditional doctrines were insufficient. Perimeter threats were overwhelming, and the time had come to revolutionize their tactics. The answer? Enhanced breaching capabilities that prioritized the element of surprise, allowing forces to infiltrate terrorist compounds undetected, neutralize threats in moments of vulnerability, and use the compounds themselves as cover against external hostilities.
The Evolution of Breaching Techniques
Initially, explosive breaching emerged as the primary method. However, this approach soon exposed its limitations. The sheer variability of urban structures, reinforced doors, and security measures made it nearly impossible to predict the required explosive charges. Teams often carried overweight charges to account for these unknowns, which not only jeopardized uninvolved civilians but also compromised operational stealth. Once an explosive charge was detonated, the team’s position was revealed, often inciting violent retaliation from surrounding hostiles and complicating extraction.The need for an alternative was clear. Hydraulic breaching tools presented a promising solution. These tools allowed operators to penetrate reinforced doors quietly, maintaining the element of surprise and minimizing collateral damage. However, the initial tools—adapted from the firefighting world—were far from ideal. They were heavy, cumbersome, and not designed for tactical missions. Operators had to carry multiple specialized tools, sacrificing mobility and lethality in the process.
The 2006 Revolution
In 2006, one of the Israeli Special Forces breaching team reached a turning point. Determined to overcome the limitations of existing tools, they partnered with SAN, a private defense engineering firm. SAN embraced the challenge, setting out to design a tactical hydraulic breaching system tailored to the unique demands of special operations forces.The result was groundbreaking. After countless hours of testing and invaluable feedback from operators, SAN developed a lightweight, versatile, and powerful system that redefined tactical breaching. Key features included:• Unmatched Power: Tools capable of generating up to 6.4 tons of lifting force for the "Door Breaker" and over 22 tons of cutting force for hydraulic bolt cutters.• Stealth in Action: Operating at a whisper-quiet ~60 dB, ideal for maintaining surprise.• Portability: An electro-hydraulic pump mounted in a tactical backpack weighing less than 11kg.• Versatility: Lightweight breaching tools (averaging 4.5kg) enable a single operator to perform a wide range of tasks with minimal effort.Certified to MIL-STD 810F and CE standards, SAN’s system became the ultimate solution for modern breaching needs.
A Global Standard for Tactical Breaching
Over a decade later, SAN’s tactical hydraulic breaching systems are the gold standard for special forces and law enforcement agencies worldwide. From IDF Special Forces to SWAT teams, military units, and elite security forces across continents, SAN’s tools have transformed tactical breaching capabilities.Most recently, SAN’s groundbreaking breaching systems played a critical role in the Iron Swords War, launched in response to Hamas's horrifying attack on October 7, 2023. During thousands of operations conducted in Gaza and along the Lebanese border, SAN’s breaching tools proved indispensable. Their stealth, power, and precision enabled operators to penetrate fortified positions both above ground and underground, neutralize threats, and minimize collateral damage in one of the most challenging and high-stakes operational environments in modern military history.
Pioneering Innovation
The company’s commitment to innovation remains steadfast. By collaborating directly with operators, SAN continues to refine its products to meet the ever-evolving demands of modern warfare and security.FOR Breachers, BY Breachers—SAN sets the bar for tactical breaching, ensuring operators have the tools they need to succeed in any mission.
Yes
No
