6 - MCF in Israel

Summary

The assimilation of 4IR technologies into the Israel defense forces has coincided with a profound doctrinal change, that is, the replacement of extensive ground maneuvers with precise, lethal operations against the enemy’s critical capabilities in wartime and between wars. While 4IR technologies have not been the driving force behind the new operational concept, they have enabled it and moved it forward. In particular, these technologies allowed the IDF to carry out more frequent, yet limited, accurate operations at long range and with a smaller number of casualties. Subsequently, emerging technologies are being distributed across the IDF. But lacking the capacity to develop the entire range of emerging technologies by itself, the Israeli defense establishment relies increasingly on advanced technologies developed by civilian entities for the civilian market. As the relationship between Israel’s defense and high-tech sectors is close and civilian technology is ever more required, the defense establishment works to develop various means to overcome MCF’s inherent obstacles.