Israel MOD Establishes AI and Autonomy Administration

Operating under the Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D) in the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), the AI and Autonomy Administration will spearhead research, development, and force build-up efforts in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems across all military branches. This initiative, established in partnership with the IDF, joins other successful defense development frameworks, transforming battlefield capabilities and maintaining the IDF's operational edge.

The new Administration, initiated by the IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, upon taking office, aims to centralize and advance AI and autonomous capabilities within Israel's defense establishment. It will bring together experts from IDF technological units, academia, defense industries, and startups to achieve unprecedented operational and technological breakthroughs.
Director General Zamir inaugurated the Administration yesterday (Tuesday) at a ceremony attended by the Head of DDR&D, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Daniel Gold; the IDF Head of the Planning and Force Build-Up Directorate, Maj. Gen. Eyal Harel; the IMOD Deputy Director General and Head of the Planning Department, Itamar Graff; the commissioner of Defense and foreign affairs at the Israel Civil Service Commission, Hagit Reshef; and other senior officials.

IMOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir: “This inauguration marks a historic milestone in military innovation. It represents our first new administration in over two decades. When I assumed my role two years ago, I recognized the need for a dedicated entity to drive operational, intelligence, and technological breakthroughs in AI and autonomy. The capabilities we develop will enhance our operational superiority while reducing casualties, increasing operational tempo, and optimizing resource utilization. Our future battlefield will see integrated teams of soldiers and autonomous systems working in concert. We remain committed to investing in ground, air, naval, intelligence, and space capabilities, providing our forces with cutting-edge technologies that amplify their effectiveness.”

Head of DDR&D, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. Daniel Gold: “Our mission is clear: to achieve global leadership in military AI and autonomy. Building on years of successful research and development collaboration with the IDF, this administration will unite stakeholders from researchers to operators under one roof. We will work synergistically with other development administrations while fostering partnerships across Israel's civilian tech sector, from established industries to innovative startups.”