Former Israeli Commander Details Drone Revolution Transforming Warfare and Terror Tactics
The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) integral to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) today originated from improvised hobbyist drones used during the War of Attrition in the late 1960s. Retired Colonel Amiram Dagan, a pioneer in Israel's drone revolution, recounts in his new book how these rudimentary reconnaissance drones evolved into sophisticated systems responsible for a significant portion of enemy strikes. Initially simple radio-controlled hobby drones equipped with cameras, these early UAVs provided intelligence by flying over enemy lines and returning with photographic film developed days later.
Dagan, who led the Zik Directorate at Israel's Ministry of Defense Research and Development and later headed an Elbit Systems subsidiary, explains that the concept matured significantly after the Gulf War in 1990, when real-time video from precision-guided munitions showcased the power of accurate targeting. Israel faced operational challenges requiring real-time intelligence against mobile surface-to-air missiles, prompting the development of cost-effective, efficient drones under the leadership of then-Chief of Staff Ehud Barak in 1991. Barak favored a simpler, cheaper drone design over more complex, expensive models, leading to the creation of the Zik unit, named for "Cheap, Efficient, and Lethal."
Though initially intended for tank warfare scenarios on the Golan Heights, these drones first saw use in targeted assassinations during the Second Intifada and have since become ubiquitous in IDF operations. Dagan estimates that drones account for about half of all enemy hits since the October 7 conflict, reflecting both technological advances and organizational changes that integrated drone control directly into ground forces. This shift made drones a frontline tool alongside tanks and artillery, providing commanders with immediate aerial intelligence and strike capabilities.
Dagan also highlights the ethical and psychological complexities faced by drone operators, including the burden of remote lethal decisions. He notes that terrorist groups like Hezbollah have adopted drone technology for over two decades, using Iranian, Chinese, and indigenous models for reconnaissance and attacks, some with ranges up to 2,000 kilometers.
Looking ahead, Dagan foresees increased autonomy in drone operations through artificial intelligence, enabling swarms of drones to coordinate and cover areas independently. He also mentions ongoing but unrealized efforts to create hybrid units combining aerial and ground robotics to reduce human frontline exposure.
Beyond military use, drone technology has expanded into civilian sectors, with a global market estimated at $95-100 billion annually. However, regulatory hurdles, particularly concerning safety and public security, limit applications like drone delivery. Meanwhile, Israel's defense exports hit a record $19.2 billion in 2025, with UAVs comprising about 4% of deals, reflecting hundreds of millions in annual sales.
Dagan's personal story includes profound loss; his son Roah, a combat soldier, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic event in the Second Intifada and died by suicide in 2022. Dagan recounts the struggle to gain official recognition of his son's condition as a service-related disability, which was initially denied. He now volunteers with a veterans' organization supporting post-traumatic stress sufferers.
Dagan's book and reflections provide a comprehensive view of Israel's drone evolution from makeshift reconnaissance tools to a central element of modern warfare, highlighting technological innovation, operational integration, ethical challenges, and the human cost behind the machines.
