Israel Establishes New Space Division Amid Global Military Buildup

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are establishing a new Space Division as part of the multi-year "Hosen" plan, alongside the creation of a Robotics and Drones Corps. These strategic moves, driven by the Chief of Staff despite budgetary challenges with the Treasury, aim to adapt the military to future combat challenges. The new Space Division is expected to centralize all space-related activities within the IDF and focus on force-building, initially led by a Brigadier General, with potential for future elevation to an independent corps. Initially, existing branches like Military Intelligence, the Air Force, and the C4I Directorate will retain their current space capabilities, with Unit 9900 continuing to operate spy satellites.

The ongoing war, particularly the conflict with Iran, has highlighted the increasing importance of space as an operational combat dimension. Space capabilities are crucial for intelligence gathering, secure communications for long-range strikes, and exo-atmospheric interceptions. In parallel, Israel's defense establishment is pursuing a vision of significant space force enhancement. The Directorate of Defense Research and Development (MAFAT) and defense industries are planning a shift from relying on a few satellites, like the "Ofek" series, to launching "satellite constellations", arrays of simpler, cheaper satellites. Within three to four years, Israel aims to have dozens to hundreds of satellites in orbit, ensuring continuous information coverage over the Middle East, with data analyzed by artificial intelligence.

The defense establishment is also exploring transferring more missions from the ground to space, with capabilities for space-based interception and attack under development, though their maturation will take time. In response to Iran's space capabilities development, Israel is preparing for future conflicts that may involve attempts to damage satellites. These developments align with a broader global trend of military buildup in space. Recently, the U.S. military confirmed the deployment of active operational weapons in outer space, intended to protect forces from threats. Russia, however, advocates for space to remain weapon-free and calls for complete disarmament. Space experts warn that such actions could trigger an arms race in this new domain, transforming space from a primarily support role for intelligence and communication into a central military arena.