Elbit Systems has been awarded several contracts by the Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D/MAFAT) within the Israel Ministry of Defense, for the development of advanced digitisation capabilities for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Overall, the contracts will cost a little over US $100 million (approx. A $141 million).
“We are grateful for the trust placed in Elbit Systems, for the long-standing strategic partnership with the Ministry of Defense 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 programs 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 defense innovation," General Manager of Elbit Systems C4I & Cyber, Haim Delmar, said.
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 Defense, and the IDF Ground Forces, leveraging Elbit Systems’ digital warfare infrastructure.
“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 program’s scope and enabling faster and more precise operational outputs," Head of the Aderet Department in the Ground Technological Division, Colonel S., stated.
The first program is for the development of the next generation digital ground army called Tzayad. Under this program, 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.
The program's 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 and an open digital ecosystem enabling rapid integration of diverse platforms and sensors.
The second program is for the development of the next generation Multi-Sensor Border Defense System (MARS). Elbit Systems will deliver an advanced system for managing sensor and effector arrays for border protection, incorporating lessons learned from the first digital war.
The 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.