IDF Chief of Staff Announces New Drone and AI Corps, Submarine 'Dragon' Arrival

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are establishing a new military branch dedicated to unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, announced Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Chief of the General Staff. Zamir revealed the creation of this new corps, which he called a "historic organizational restructuring," during a naval officers' graduation ceremony. The new unit will focus on developing robotic systems for all branches of the military, enabling unmanned systems to operate alongside or independently of manned units.

Zamir has tasked the new corps with completing its formation by the upcoming Hanukkah holiday. He emphasized the rapidly changing battlefield and the IDF's commitment to adapting, stating that the future of warfare lies with unmanned vehicles, robotics, drones, and extensive AI use. The IDF aims to become a global leader in these technological domains, with the new corps also set to enhance naval capabilities, providing autonomous operational abilities both above and below the water.

In parallel, Zamir highlighted the expansion of the Israeli Navy's capabilities with the imminent arrival of the submarine 'Dragon' from Germany. This will be the sixth submarine in the Israeli Navy's fleet. Zamir stated that the 'Dragon's' arrival signifies the Navy's transformation into a strategic branch capable of operating far from Israel's shores.

Following the 'Dragon,' the Navy's arsenal will be further bolstered by 'Reshef'-class missile ships, which will enhance the Navy's operational range, endurance at sea, and strike power, according to the IDF. Zamir previously discussed plans for a new structure integrating robotics, unmanned systems, and AI in July, initially focusing on the General Staff's organizational framework. The current announcement confirms the approval and sets a deadline for its full establishment.