OVERVIEW:The TAL 2 is an unguided, air-delivered cluster bomb developed by Israel for wide-area engagement using multi-effect submunitions.

DETAIL:The TAL 2 builds upon the design of the earlier TAL 1, offering increased submunition count and improved dispersal coverage. It contains 315 dual-purpose bomblets capable of both anti-personnel fragmentation and light armor penetration, each featuring a shaped charge and pre-fragmented casing. The system was developed by Israel Military Industries (IMI) to meet evolving battlefield requirements for area saturation and mobility denial.

The bomb is typically housed in a cylindrical dispenser with deployable fins and a programmable opening mechanism for high-precision release patterns. This allows the TAL 2 to cover larger target zones compared to earlier cluster munitions. Designed for deployment from fast jets at various altitudes, it maximizes lethality against dispersed formations or convoys.

It is compatible with standard NATO aircraft fittings and has been integrated onto multiple platforms in Israeli service. Its use aligns with Israel’s doctrine of rapid, high-intensity strikes against both conventional and irregular adversaries.

NOTE:
IOC: Mid 1980s
Operators: Israel (Israeli Air Force)
Platform: F-4E Phantom II, Kfir C.7, F-16C/D/I, A-4N Skyhawk, F-15I Ra’am
Conflicts: Not officially confirmed; possible use in regional air operations

SOURCE:
Israel Military Industries (IMI/Elbit Systems) ; Jane’s Weapons: Air-Launched ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS) ; Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) https://elbitsystems.com ; https://fas.org ; https://www.janes.com ; https://sipri.org