Israel Establishes New Space Division to Enhance Combat Capabilities

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are in the final stages of establishing a new Space Division, which will consolidate the military's space-related activities and focus on force-building. The division is expected to be headed by a brigadier general, with the potential to evolve into a full corps commanded by a major general in the future. This move reflects a growing understanding within the defense establishment that space is becoming an increasingly critical dimension of warfare.

The recent conflict, particularly engagements involving Iran, highlighted the extensive use of space-based assets for intelligence and communication, which reportedly facilitated IDF strikes within Iran. Initially, existing space capabilities will remain with their current units, including the Air Force, Intelligence Directorate (Aman), and the Computer Service Directorate. Unit 9900, responsible for operating defense satellites under Aman, will also retain its current structure.

A source familiar with the matter explained the necessity for the division, stating, "The intention is to establish a body that will deal with space, wake up in the morning and go to sleep with its sole focus being space, because it is already a combat dimension, and in the future, space will undoubtedly occupy a more central role in warfare." The defense establishment aims to expand Israel's space capabilities by developing "satellite swarms" to ensure continuous information and collection over the Middle East.

Currently, the Ministry of Defense primarily operates the 'Ofek' series of satellites produced by Israel Aerospace Industries. A senior official told 'HaYom', "The intention is to be a superpower in space, and for that, we need money, people, and development." He added that satellites are not solely for intelligence, and any ground-based mission is being evaluated for potential execution from space. The official anticipates Israel will have dozens of satellites in orbit within three to four years, with plans for hundreds in the future.

While space-based interception is still a distant prospect, it is under development, alongside offensive capabilities. Israel is also mindful of Iran's advancements in space and potential future attempts to target adversarial satellites. The IDF spokesperson confirmed that planning for the Space Division is nearing completion and details will be released soon. A military source described the establishment as one of the most significant organizational initiatives of the current Chief of Staff's tenure, with the plan set to be finalized and widely published this week.