IMOD Director General, MG (res) Eyal Zamir's Remarks at the 2023 Herzliya Conference

Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense, Major General (res.) Eyal Zamir, at the 2023 Herzliya Conference at Reichman University today (Monday).

"Our mission is to transform Israel into an AI powerhouse, similar to Israel's role in cyber. We will significantly increase the Ministry of Defense research and development budget this year to meet our goal."

“The Iron Beam high-power laser system is being developed at an impressive pace, and we will conduct another series of system tests soon. Following the tests, we will gradually begin to deploy the first system in the field to ensure protection against various threats."

“The key to victory in emerging and future battlefields lies in the relationship between military power, the use of technological, advanced and innovative tools, and the ability to continually ensure superiority over our enemies in these fields," said Major General (res.) Zamir at the beginning of his remarks. "The Ministry of Defense has a central role in supporting and building the IDF's strength. This is a complex task, especially due to rapidly changing strategies among players in the Middle East, leading the Israeli defense establishment to adapt quickly and to ensure a stable, powerful, and equally flexible military force."

Regarding the need to assess ahead of a multi-arena conflict: "Less than two years ago, when I completed my duties as the IDF Deputy Chief of General Staff, I stated that we must prepare for the possibility of a long, multi-arena conflict that poses both internal and external challenges by ensuring strength, longevity and a strong reserve. I claimed that Israel needs advanced technological capabilities in both quality and quantity. Today, these words have a new meaning, especially in light of the war in Ukraine and the increase in domestic, external, missile, and cyber threats we face."

Regarding the progress in development of the Iron Beam high-power laser system: “The 'Iron Beam' laser system is being developed at an impressive pace, and we will conduct another series of system tests soon. Following the tests, we will gradually begin to deploy the first system in the field to ensure protection against threats from different regions. It won't happen overnight, but the outstanding professionals in the DDR&D, IDF, and Israeli defense industries are working around the clock to make it happen as quickly as possible."

Regarding developing future technologies, robotics, and AI: “Our mission is to transform Israel into an AI powerhouse, similar to our role in cyber. Israel is a cyber power. Our cyber capabilities are among the most advanced in the world and are constantly being enhanced. This is thanks to the correct and timely identification of the importance of the cyber field in security, economic, national, and international dimensions. Some define AI as the next revolution on the battlefield. AI technologies will create many additional capabilities including the operation of platforms in groups and swarms and independently operated combat systems. These technologies will integrate into the battlefield and provide an advantage to those who know how to develop them and use them operationally."

“We are working to establish a dedicated organization focused on AI and robotics. Both are related to each other, and together they are key to solving the emerging challenges around us. This organization will operate under the DDR&D, the leading body for defense research and development."

Regarding the increase in the R&D budget: “Significant investment is needed to continue developing cutting-edge technology. Therefore, the Israel Ministry of Defense R&D budged will be increased this year, constituting the largest-ever direct investment in research and development. This decision was made to ensure that we not only preserve our leadership but strengthen it."

Regarding investment in defense industries and defense exports: "The Israel Ministry of Defense has invested in preserving vital, strategic production for many years. In an era of a global race for raw materials, we continue to work to ensure our independent capabilities. The State of Israel reached an all-time record in 2021 defense exports amounting to $11.4 billion – doubling in less than a decade. We are currently gathering the data for 2022, and I can already say that last year's record is likely to be surpassed."

Photo credit: Ministry of Defense Spokesperson's Office.