ByANNA AHRONHEIM

JUNE 23, 2026 14:57

Three years into its longest and most intricate conflict, the IDF is hastening the introduction of unmanned ground robots on several fronts as dangers on the battlefield grow. With troops facing zones filled with improvised explosive devices and explosive drones, units now seek quicker and more independent platforms that can function in crowded city areas while under attack.

Defense & Tech by The Jerusalem Post toured an IDF facility in central Israel that collaborates with civilian defense firms and MAFAT, the Defense Ministry research arm, to create, evaluate and supply systems at record pace.

Every robotic platform developed during the conflict begins here, said Maj. A, who leads the innovation center that converts urgent field requirements into deployed tools. We grasp the design and operation of each system before it reaches combat zones.

Fast-track creation during conflict

Demands from units change often as new dangers appear.

Days move quickly yet we must deliver rapidly, he said. We aim to protect personnel. Speed from concept to use matters, so we keep planning, building, checking and sending tools to the forces.

Once a request reaches the team, engineers meet to craft answers by making parts, sourcing items or involving external firms. They then conduct complete safety and handling checks so soldiers can run the equipment under stress.

Some devices perform well in ordinary settings but fail in combat, Maj. A noted, adding that certain defense firms have succeeded while others struggle to shift from civilian-only designs to dual-use systems.

At times units bring their own concepts. One group arrived with both a problem and an answer, he said. They stated they knew it worked and simply needed integration.

The group also simplifies platforms to make them easier for soldiers and reservists to handle.

We have troops aged 18 who understand robots, he said. They grew up around such devices, so they grasp operation quickly. Reservists also adapt fast. AI and autonomy aid them in tough settings to finish tasks.

IDF robotic platforms grow in number

The IDF operates an increasing range of unmanned systems, many refined repeatedly over three years of fighting in Gaza, Lebanon and reportedly beyond.

The D9 Panda, a fully robotic autonomous bulldozer, has served since 2022 and seen heavy use. Defense & Tech learned it was updated to let operators direct it from tens of kilometers away rather than the earlier 3-5 km range.

The Iron Beast, a converted M113 armored carrier, ranks among the most sought-after platforms.

Before the October 7 war, thousands of these older Vietnam-era vehicles faced scrapping, yet the military saw they could be enhanced for supply runs to forward units.

We were unsure what to do with them, Maj. A said. Now we turned surplus into valuable assets.

Equipped with fresh fittings, these Iron Beasts allow remote control, and reports indicate the IDF has employed some as explosive devices against threats in Gaza.

A major issue, the commander noted, was rising need for the Iron Beast amid widespread IED risks.

Troops stood exposed, he said. They required shielding. Rather than risk soldiers, they dispatch robotic units. Families avoid the news that a son was lost.

The army maintains several hundred in service with thousands more awaiting upgrades, a process lasting weeks. Scaling output stays difficult. We confront this daily, Maj. A said. Delivery speed remains vital.

The Ronnie RT-20 (MTGR), a compact robot for observation and ordnance disposal, sees wide use though some units have been lost to enemy action.

Several offensive robots from Roboteam serve with battalions along with detection systems using RF and optical sensors plus improvised tools such as nets.

The IDF employs the Rooster robotic drone in Gaza operations. Built by Robotican, it supports commando and special forces for ISR and tactical tasks.

The firm describes Rooster as a hybrid platform combining ground robot and drone functions that can fly or roll. It offers up to 15 minutes airborne, 40 minutes rolling and roughly 90 minutes total operation.

These tools join other known IDF ground robots and form the core of a growing robotic force.

They meet the demands of our current situation, Maj. A said.

Next steps: robotic groups and team operations

As the fleet expands, officials and engineers focus on multi-robot coordination so several platforms can work together, exchange data and split duties.

Golan Malca, VP at defense-tech firm TSG, said the company partners with the IDF, MAFAT and major contractors IAI, Elbit and Rafael to supply proven parts and systems for current operations.

The modern battlefield holds many robotic platforms, Malca said. We supply the control layer that detects threats and assigns priorities so the robot can respond.

TSG delivers mature components with command and control as the flagship offering. Malca, formerly at MAFAT, noted talks with several firms to integrate the system into ground robots.

The battlefield pushes us toward robots for varied missions, and swarm operations represent the next stage, he said. Robotic platforms increasingly replace troops for tasks and even deliver damage assessment reports.

Ground swarms are slated for route clearance, tunnel searches, perimeter security, supply runs and close reconnaissance.

The IDF has tested joint runs between small EOD robots, unmanned bulldozers and sensor platforms to map zones, spot threats and send data before troops advance.

The approach echoes aerial drone swarms yet suits slower urban ground conditions. Engineers say autonomy, AI navigation and human oversight will let multiple robots work in high-risk areas.

Despite rising autonomy, Maj. A stressed strict human oversight. We always keep an operator involved, especially for any trigger pull, he said.

Innotal Conference

Besides field robots, the military also improves living conditions. Last week the second Innotal Innovation Conference occurred in Tel Aviv to display new technologies that ease troop life and support decisions with advanced AI.

The event was organized by the IDF Technology and Logistics Directorate, MAFAT and the Israel Innovation Institute. Senior figures including MAFAT head Brig.-Gen. Dr. Danny Gold and Budget Department head Brig.-Gen. Nir Weingold attended.

The Innotal program runs its second round of civilian projects developed with the IDF to tackle operational issues swiftly. From hundreds of applicants, 11 projects advanced, covering medicine, robotics, energy and more, including one from Taiwan. The focus lay on AI tools to scale processes and meet field challenges.