What Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor said about Israel’s military technologies

Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah and Hamas has displayed its reliance on cutting-edge military technologies to boost its defence capabilities. Israel has employed a combination of artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned systems, advanced missile defence, and cyber warfare to outmanoeuvre its adversaries.
“These technological advancements are crucial for maintaining security and protecting civilian populations,” Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor, a former officer of the Indian Air Force and expert in future technologies, told India Today TV in an exclusive interview.
AI And Data-Driven Warfare:
“One of the most significant technological advancements employed by Israel is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its military strategy. AI-powered systems help the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) analyse vast amounts of data from drones, satellites, and intelligence reports in real time, enabling quicker and more accurate decision-making.”

“AI is used to identify targets, anticipate enemy movements, and streamline the coordination of air, land, and sea operations. In recent conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah, AI-based systems have been critical in locating underground tunnels used for smuggling weapons and launching attacks, enabling Israeli forces to target these networks with precision.”

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) And Drones:
“Israel has long been a pioneer in drone technology, and the IDF relies heavily on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and precision strikes. Drones have become indispensable for monitoring Hezbollah and Hamas activities in real time, providing live updates on the movements of militants, and identifying launch sites for rockets and missiles.”

“Recently, Israel has also developed loitering munitions, also known as suicide drones”, which can hover over a target area for an extended period before striking. These drones have been used to target key Hamas and Hezbollah operatives and weapons storage sites, reducing the risk to Israeli personnel and allowing for more surgical strikes.”

Iron Dome And Multi-Layered Missile Defence:
“Israel’s Iron Dome system is one of the most well-known defensive technologies in the world, and it has been crucial in intercepting rockets fired by Hamas and Hezbollah. The system uses radar and sensors to detect incoming missiles and deploys interceptor missiles to destroy them mid-air, often with a success rate exceeding 90%.”

“In addition to the Iron Dome, Israel employs a multi-layered missile defence system that includes the David’s Sling and Arrow systems. These systems target longer-range threats, such as ballistic missiles launched by Hezbollah, providing comprehensive protection from the full spectrum of rocket and missile threats.”

Cyber Warfare:
“Israel’s prowess in cyber warfare has become increasingly visible in its confrontations with Hezbollah and Hamas. Both groups are known to use encrypted communications, online platforms, and social media to coordinate attacks. Israel’s intelligence services, including Unit 8200, have developed sophisticated cyber capabilities to intercept and disrupt these communications.”

In some cases, Israeli cyber units have even managed to infiltrate the digital infrastructure of Hezbollah and Hamas, disabling rocket launch systems and sabotaging operations before they can materialise into physical attacks. This cyber element adds a new layer to Israel’s military strength, allowing it to preempt and neutralise threats in the digital domain.

Autonomous Systems:
“The IDF has begun experimenting with autonomous systems that can operate independently or with minimal human oversight. Robotic tanks, self-driving military vehicles, and autonomous drone swarms are being developed for future use. These systems reduce the risk to human life and increase the precision of military operations.

For example, Israel is working on advanced robot soldiers that can patrol borders, detect infiltrators, and even engage in combat if necessary. These systems could become vital in monitoring the heavily fortified borders with Lebanon and Gaza, where both Hezbollah and Hamas operate.”

Laser Defence Systems:
“In addition to the Iron Dome, Israel is developing laser-based defence systems, which have shown great promise in intercepting drones, rockets, and mortar shells. The “Iron Beam” is a notable example of a laser system designed to complement the Iron Dome. These lasers use directed energy to destroy targets at the speed of light, offering a cheaper and potentially unlimited alternative to missile-based interception systems.”

“Laser systems have the potential to revolutionise Israel’s defence strategy by significantly lowering the cost of defending against the thousands of rockets fired by Hezbollah and Hamas.”

Advanced Reconnaissance And Satellite Technologies:
“Israeli satellite technologies provide high-resolution surveillance and intelligence capabilities. These satellites monitor Hezbollah and Hamas activities 24/7, tracking the movement of weapons and personnel across borders. Satellite data is integrated with AI-driven analysis to produce actionable intelligence, allowing the IDF to make real-time decisions.”
AI-Driven Battlefield Management:
“Looking ahead, Israel is likely to continue pushing the boundaries of AI in warfare. The integration of AI in battlefield management systems could provide commanders with real-time situational awareness, predicting enemy movements and countering them with minimal human intervention. AI could also automate logistics and supply chains, ensuring that forces are optimally deployed in fast-changing combat situations.”