By Arie Egozi, Autonomy Global – Ambassador for Israel
Israeli defense company Elbit Systems will develop the next generation of the Israel Defense Forces’ digital ground army (Tzayad), incorporating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features, under new Ministry of Defense-funded development programs. Elbit has been awarded several contracts totaling over $100 million by the Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D/MAFAT) in Israel’s Ministry of Defense to advance digitization capabilities for the IDF.
The new systems, described as the fifth generation of the IDF’s digitization array, are intended to integrate innovative technologies across command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), along with digital fire and border protection. The work will be executed through joint development teams made up of Elbit Systems, DDR&D at the Ministry of Defense, and the IDF Ground Forces, leveraging Elbit’s digital warfare infrastructure.
Elbit Systems describes its Digital Army Program as the IDF’s networked C4I system that integrates armored, infantry, and artillery forces into a secure, real-time digital network for target sharing, situational awareness and enhanced battlefield command. It connects field command posts down to small tactical units for immediate digital sharing of battlefield intelligence and can integrate platforms such as the Trophy Active Protection System to automatically provide tank crews with coordinates of anti-tank threats.
Haim Delmar, General Manager of Elbit Systems C4I & Cyber, said the programs will enable development of “world‑leading capabilities” in digital warfare and artificial intelligence that will enhance operational effectiveness and provide the IDF with a technological advantage on the modern battlefield.
Elbit will develop the array to deliver advanced command-and-control capabilities to headquarters at all levels and to maneuvering and attacking forces, with “full multi-domain connectivity” spanning air, sea and land. It will deliver capabilities including: accelerated multi-service sensor-to-shooter operational loops; AI-enabled support for operational and tactical decision-making; increased tactical network capacity down to frontline combat units; and an open digital ecosystem designed for rapid integration of diverse platforms and sensors.
The company will also provide an advanced system to manage sensor and effector arrays for border protection, incorporating lessons learned from the “first digital war.” Colonel S., Head of the Aderet Department in the Ground Technological Division, said the new systems represent another leap in IDF capabilities in C4I and digital fields and implement lessons learned from combat over the past two years.
The planned AI-based capabilities will enable high-volume target detection and classification, rapid integration of a wide range of sensors and effectors, broad multi-mission management and multi-service connectivity.