IDF Artillery Corps Adopts New Battlefield Doctrine Following War Lessons
The Israeli Ground Forces have approved a new operational doctrine for the Artillery Corps, aiming to address shortcomings revealed during the conflict starting October 7. On that day, no terrorists were killed by ground fire because artillery capabilities were not deployed along the Gaza Strip, primarily due to restrictions requiring a 400-meter distance from Palestinian homes. However, many of these buildings were used by Hamas for terrorist activities.
The new doctrine, directed by Artillery Chief Brigadier General Ehud Bibi, introduces advanced systems such as the "Ro'em" automatic firing artillery, which enables rapid, mobile firepower across battle zones. The first battery of Ro'em operators is set to be officially inducted in August 2026. Another key system is the "Lahav" launcher, capable of firing over 100 rockets, including those dispersing 600 pellets within a 50-meter radius, and it became operational during the recent war.
Unmanned aerial vehicles also play a significant role: the "Doher Shamayim" drone offers over six hours of continuous flight with advanced long-range imaging and target marking, while the smaller "Rochav Shamayim" drone provides reconnaissance and target acquisition day and night, carried by soldiers.
The doctrine emphasizes full artillery coverage of Gaza with continuous, high-rate fire to prevent a repeat of the October 7 scenario. Mobility is prioritized, with all artillery units mounted on wheeled vehicles for rapid redeployment across multiple fronts. Ammunition supply and communication protocols have been enhanced to enable quick fire cycles and integration of classified aerial capabilities.
The new approach empowers artillery units to autonomously engage enemy forces detected within the "denial zone," aiming to disrupt or destroy threats before direct contact with IDF troops. Specific terrain sectors will be designated as "valuable assets" under exclusive artillery responsibility to prevent enemy infiltration.
Ground Forces Commander Major General Nadav Lotan stressed that this method will first be implemented in defensive zones before expanding to maneuver operations, shifting artillery goals from mere suppression to outright destruction of enemy forces. Additional support will come from special units and radar operators, with improved camouflage and survivability measures against drone and suicide UAV attacks.
Each artillery brigade will receive radar systems to enhance battlefield awareness and will maintain organic artillery units. The Artillery Corps also plans to increase female personnel beyond the current 30% and transform its training base "Shivta" into a professional military academy akin to the British model. These changes follow extensive war reviews and aim to refine artillery roles in evacuation support, intelligence target engagement, and infrastructure strikes during sudden escalations.
