Tel Aviv: Israeli company Elbit Systems will develop the next generation of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) digital ground army (Tzayad).
Elbit Systems has been awarded several contracts with an aggregate amount of over $100 million by the Directorate of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D/MAFAT) within the Israel Ministry of Defence, for the development of advanced digitisation capabilities for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
The new systems, representing the fifth generation of the IDF’s digitisation array, will integrate innovative technologies in the fields of command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), digital fire, and border protection. The projects will be carried out through joint development teams comprising Elbit Systems, DDR&D at the Ministry of Defence, and the IDF Ground Forces, leveraging Elbit Systems’ digital warfare infrastructure.
Under this programme, Elbit Systems will develop the fifth generation of the IDF’s digitisation array, delivering advanced command and control capabilities to headquarters at all levels as well as to manoeuvring and attacking forces, with full multi-domain connectivity across air, sea, and land.
Key capabilities include:
* Accelerated multi-service sensor-to-shooter and operational closing loops.
* Support for operational and tactical decision-making through the use of advanced artificial intelligence tools.
* Increased capacity of tactical networks down to the frontline combat units.
* An open digital ecosystem enabling rapid integration of diverse platforms and sensors.
Elbit Systems will deliver an advanced system for managing sensor and effector arrays for border protection, incorporating lessons learned from the first digital war.
Key capabilities include:
* Advanced AI-based capabilities for high-volume target detection and classification
* Rapid integration of a wide range of sensors and effectors
* Broad multi-mission management and multi-service connectivity
Haim Delmar, General Manager of Elbit Systems C4I & Cyber, said, “We are grateful for the trust placed in Elbit Systems, for the long-standing strategic partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the IDF, and for the privilege of being part of the effort to defend the country’s borders in both routine and emergency situations. These new programmes will enable us to develop unique, world leading capabilities in the fields of digital warfare and artificial intelligence – capabilities that will significantly enhance operational effectiveness and provide the IDF with a substantial technological advantage on the modern battlefield. We are proud to stand alongside our partners in strengthening Israel’s security and advancing the future of defence innovation.”
Colonel S., Head of the Aderet Department in the Ground Technological Division, stated, “The new systems will constitute another significant leap in the IDF’s capabilities in the fields of C4I and digital, and represent a direct implementation of the lessons learned from combat over the past two years. Deepening the partnership and transitioning to high-intensity joint development together with the branch software houses, along with establishing a joint data factory, will serve as a force multiplier in expanding the programme’s scope and enabling faster and more precise operational outputs.”
Elbit Systems’ Digital Army Programme is the IDF’s networked C4I system, integrating armoured, infantry, and artillery forces. Developed to connect all echelons into a central, secure, real-time digital network, it enables target sharing, situational awareness of friendly and enemy forces, and enhanced battlefield command.
It connects field command posts down to small, tactical combat units, allowing for immediate digital sharing of battlefield intelligence.
The system integrates various platforms, such as the Trophy Active Protection System, to automatically provide tank crews with the coordinates of anti-tank threats. The system serves as the primary, secure network for land forces, facilitating rapid decision-making by providing a comprehensive, real-time “sky picture” of the battlefield. It involves advanced radio, communication, and software systems.
The systems has transformed IDF ground operations, ensuring all levels of command are connected to a unified data transfer.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
