IDF Prepares for Future Threats, Leveraging Tunnel Warfare and Robotics
Amidst escalating regional tensions, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened a severe blow against Iran. Concurrently, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have accumulated significant operational and technological experience in combating Iranian-backed tunnel networks in Syria and Lebanon, expertise that could be applied against targets in Iran itself. This comes as the Middle East experiences heightened activity, including a recent Iranian missile barrage on U.S. bases in Jordan and Houthi advances toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Iran's nuclear program is also reportedly facing scrutiny, with the IAEA monitoring "disturbing activities" at a site in Iran.
The IDF's tunnel warfare capabilities were significantly developed during Operation "Many Paths" two years ago, when the Air Force's Shaldag commando unit raided a massive Syrian army tunnel near Masyaf, identified as a facility for producing precision missiles. Further experience was gained from tunnels under the Beaufort Castle in Lebanon and, more recently, Hezbollah's strategic command center in the Ali Taher ridge.
The knowledge acquired by the IDF in combating these Iranian-backed tunnels is now integrated into several elite units, including Shaldag, Yahalom, Egoz, Maglan, Unit 551, and combat engineering battalions 601 and 603. Elbit Systems subsidiary, Proze, recently revealed some of its technological advancements, suggesting the company can produce specialized robotic products for military units worldwide.
Evidence indicates that future warfare will heavily rely on robotic systems. The IDF has already deployed some robotic capabilities during the "Swords of Iron" war in Gaza and Lebanon, including in subterranean operations. With its extensive experience in Syria and Lebanon, and likely advanced technology, the IDF is assessed to possess the capability and understanding to confront Iran's tunnel infrastructure, not just in neighboring countries but potentially within Iran itself.