Israel has declared a state of war following a militant attack by Hamas on border towns in the early hours of Saturday. The attack has resulted in over 100,000 people displaced in Gaza as Israel retaliates, with the Iron Dome air defense system playing a crucial role in protecting Israeli skies.
Hamas, a Palestinian militant group based in the Gaza Strip, launched a barrage of over 3,000 rockets into Israel during Saturday’s attack. Remarkably, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported minimal harm, thanks to the Iron Dome air defense system, which intercepted nearly 90% of the incoming rockets. The Iron Dome was designed primarily to intercept close-range rockets and mortars aimed at Israel.
This remarkable technology relies on radar systems that detect incoming enemy rockets from up to 70 kilometers away. Using predictive analytics and machine learning, the system calculates the trajectory and point of impact based on data such as speed, weather conditions, and size. Once the threat is analyzed, a counter-missile is launched to neutralize the incoming rocket. Importantly, if a rocket is heading towards unpopulated areas, the system refrains from taking any action, minimizing collateral damage.
AI integration in the Israeli military
Israel has not only leveraged AI in its defense against rocket attacks but also in various aspects of its military operations. AI plays a pivotal role in logistics organization, decision-making acceleration, and target selection. The IDF employs an AI recommendation system that sifts through vast amounts of data to identify suitable targets for air strikes.
Subsequently, another AI software, named ‘Fire Factory,’ calculates ammunition requirements, assigns targets to fighter jets and military drones, and streamlines logistics, saving precious time and potentially lives.
It is important to note that all AI-generated recommendations are subject to human oversight and correction when necessary. Research indicates that AI’s application in modern warfare has the potential to reduce casualties among both military personnel and civilians.
The AI system utilized by Israel has been extensively trained on thousands of hours of footage to identify individuals and objects. This includes the interpretation of drone footage, satellite imagery, electronic signals, and online communications, as reported by Bloomberg.
In 2021, Israel successfully used AI to identify rocket launchpads and deploy drone swarms, further enhancing its defensive capabilities. The IDF has also employed AI to analyze satellite imagery, aiding in operations like raids on weapon shipments destined for Iran-backed militants in Syria and Lebanon, including Hezbollah.
Colonel Uri, who heads the IDF’s digital transformation unit, aptly summarizes the impact of AI integration:
“What used to take hours now takes minutes, with a few more minutes for human review.”
Israel’s military has not limited its use of advanced technology to combat situations alone. Facial recognition technology has been deployed for surveillance purposes, particularly targeting Palestinians. This extensive database of images has been likened to an “army’s secret Facebook for Palestinians,” according to the Washington Post. The operation, known as “Blue Wolf,” has been ongoing for over two years and is aimed at enhancing Israel’s defense against terrorists.
While initially developed without U.S. assistance, the Iron Dome program received financial support from the United States starting in 2011. Currently, some of the system’s missiles are manufactured in the U.S. This significant financial backing is part of a larger commitment, as the United States signed a contract to provide $38 billion in total assistance to Israel from 2019 to 2028.
Israel’s ambitions extend beyond its immediate defense needs. The Director of Israel’s defense ministry has articulated a desire for the nation to become an AI “superpower” and to advance in autonomous warfare and combat decision-making. The exact financial commitment to this AI-driven revolution remains undisclosed.
