Israel’s Defense Ministry launched its new AI and Autonomy Administration on Tuesday, the final day of 2024, operating under the Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D).
The new department aims to centralize and advance AI and autonomous capabilities within Israel’s defense establishment, spearheading research, development, and force build-up efforts in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems across all military branches.
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The initiative, established in partnership with the IDF, will bring together experts from IDF technological units, academia, defense industries and startups to achieve operational and technological breakthroughs.
Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir launched the new administration at a ceremony attended by the Head of DDR&D, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Daniel Gold; the IDF Head of the Planning and Force Build-Up Directorate, Maj. Gen. Eyal Harel; the IMOD Deputy Director General and Head of the Planning Department, Itamar Graff; the commissioner of Defense and foreign affairs at the Israel Civil Service Commission, Hagit Reshef; and other senior officials.
“This inauguration marks a historic milestone in military innovation. It represents our first new administration in over two decades,” Zamir said. “The capabilities we develop will enhance our operational superiority while reducing casualties, increasing operational tempo, and optimizing resource utilization. Our future battlefield will see integrated teams of soldiers and autonomous systems working in concert.”
“Our mission is clear: to achieve global leadership in military AI and autonomy,” said DDR&D chief Dr. David Gold. He added that the new administration will “unite stakeholders from researchers to operators” under one roof, while “fostering partnerships across Israel’s civilian tech sector, from established industries to innovative startups.”
