By Arie Egozi, Autonomy Global – Ambassador for Israel
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) high command has approved the Hoshen multiyear plan for 2026-2030, which prioritizes robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous systems across air, sea, and land domains to build a more lethal, casualty-resistant force. This strategic document calls for the integration of unmanned platforms that operate independently or alongside human troops to embed AI deeply into command, logistics and data operations for battlefield superiority.
New AI and Autonomy Administration
Israel’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) established the Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy Administration under the Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDRD) in late 2024. It is tasked with spearheading R&D and deployment of autonomous capabilities across all IDF branches. Led by initiatives from MoD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, the unit unites IDF tech experts, academia, and industry to drive breakthroughs that minimize risks to soldiers while boosting operational tempo. MoD leaders envision future battlefields dominated by mixed human-machine units, where autonomous systems handle frontline tasks like reconnaissance and combat, saving personnel for supervisory roles.
Unmanned Ground Vehicles Lead the Charge
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) such as the Rex MK II and RobDozer exemplify the push for autonomy. They offer advantages in soldier safety, endurance and flexibility for high-threat missions like improvised explosive device (IED) clearance and surveillance. These platforms enable remote operation from secure sites, operate tirelessly with hybrid-electric power for up to 300 km range, and navigate harsh terrains using AI, sensors and modular payloads for ISR, logistics, or armed roles. Over the next 10-15 years, the IDF aims to field robotic forward elements for many missions to dramatically cut casualties and enhance multi-domain dominance.
Strategic Implications for Global Autonomy
The Hoshen plan, set to launch April 1, 2026, under Maj. Gen. Hidai Zilberman, builds on wartime lessons to prioritize data dominance and tech self-reliance amid threats from Iran and beyond. For readers tracking advanced air mobility and counter-UAS trends, Israel’s blueprint signals a global template for AI-saturated forces, blending unmanned innovation with human oversight.