Israel Establishes A Unified Military AI Command
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has quickly emerged as one of the most transformative digital technologies, and Israel has pioneered its use in military settings.
Now, the Israeli Ministry of Defence (IMOD) has established a dedicated AI and Autonomy Administration under its Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), also known as MAFAT.
This new body will drive innovation in AI and autonomous systems across all military branches, aiming to maintain the current Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) operational advantages.
Officials said the goal is to transform the combat capabilities of all the military branches in order to maintain the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operational edge in the Middle East. The office is expected to “bring together experts from IDF technological units, academia, defense industries, and startups to achieve unprecedented operational and technological break-throughs,” the statement reads.
The organisational focus on AI and autonomy comes amid the ongoing “Iron Swords” war against Hamas and Hezbollah that Israel has been waging for over a year on several fronts in parallel, and which continues to claim the lives of soldiers.
Part of the Israeli campaign is based on roughly 360,000 reserve soldiers who have been drafted since Hamas lauched its murdereous attack on Oct. 7, 2023, making it the largest reserve mobilisation in the history of the IDF. According to the IDF, 891 soldiers have died in the war and bout 5,570 soldiers have been injured to date.
Brig. General Dr. Daniel Gold, Head of DDR&D, highlighted the mission to achieve global leadership in military AI and autonomy. He stressed the importance of unifying efforts across sectors and fostering partnerships with Israel’s thriving tech industry, from established firms to innovative startups.
That is one of the reasons Israel is establishing the new office, as the government hopes to use AI technology reduce the manpower and budget costs of armed conflict.
IMOD Director General, Major General Eyal Zamir commented “This inauguration marks a historic milestone in military innovation. It represents our first new administration in over two decades... The capabilities we develop will enhance our operational superiority while reducing casualties, increasing operational tempo, and optimising resource utilisation.”
“Our future battlefield will see integrated teams of soldiers and autonomous systems working in concert.... We remain committed to investing in ground, air, naval, intelligence, and space capabilities, providing our forces with cutting-edge technologies that amplify their effectiveness.” Zamir said.
Defense News | Carnegie Endowment | Israel Defense | Defence Industry Europe |
Image: @IDF
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