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Unmanned Systems and Artificial Intelligence Branch

IDF branch being set up for uncrewed systems and AI across land, air and SEA.

By 30 September 2026, the Unmanned Systems and Artificial Intelligence Branch was being established to bring the Israel Defense Forces’ uncrewed land, air and SEA systems into one branch.

Last refreshed: 1 October 2026

Timeline for Unmanned Systems and Artificial Intelligence Branch

#18 30 Sept

Mentioned in: Hegseth plans a four-star drone command

Drones: Industry & Defence

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Background

The Unmanned Systems and Artificial Intelligence Branch is an Israel Defense Forces branch for uncrewed systems and artificial intelligence across land, air and SEA. It is intended to bring those capabilities into one organisation as armed forces give autonomous systems a larger operational role.

The branch’s planned REMIT covers systems that operate alongside manned Teams or carry out independent missions. Its significance lies in making responsibility for those capabilities visible within the Israel Defense Forces, rather than treating them as separate projects across services.

Common Questions

What is the IDF's Unmanned Systems and Artificial Intelligence Branch?

A new Israel Defense Forces branch bringing land, air and SEA uncrewed systems and artificial intelligence under one organisation.Source: Breaking Defense

When will the IDF's new drone and AI branch start?

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said its establishment was finalised in September 2026, with full inauguration expected by early December 2026.Source: Breaking Defense

Why is the IDF creating an unmanned systems branch?

Zamir said the battlefield is changing fast and that uncrewed systems will work alongside crewed Teams or carry out missions on their own.Source: Breaking Defense

Source Material

Israeli military creates new branch focused on AI, drones and robotics