On October 7, Hamas launched a unprecedented attack on Israel, utilizing a method previously unseen (File).
The Israeli military’s deployment of AI-enhanced martial technology in Gaza for the first time has sparked concerns about the use of automatic weapons in modern warfare.
Last month, official Daniel Hagari mentioned that Israel’s troops were engaged in operations that involved both aerial and underwater activities, hinting at the new technology’s capabilities.
A senior defense official revealed that the technology was primarily focused on mapping Hamas’ extensive underground network in Gaza and eliminating enemy drones.
Despite challenges faced by Israel’s tech sector, advancements in defense technologies such as autonomous drones and AI-powered gunsights present promising prospects.
In 2022, the tech industry contributed 18% to the GDP, but the conflict in Gaza has had a detrimental impact on the economy, with an estimated 8% of the workforce engaged in combat.
Avi Hasson, the CEO of Startup Nation Central, emphasized that the conflict in Gaza not only poses challenges but also offers opportunities to test emerging technologies in the field.
Unprecedented technologies are being employed in this conflict, both on the battlefield and within medical facilities.
However, Mary Wareham, an arms expert at Human Rights Watch, warned that the increasing human casualties underscore the urgent need for enhanced monitoring of innovative defense technologies.
She expressed concerns about the devastating impact caused by these new technologies, leading to unprecedented levels of death and suffering.
A UN report highlighting “significant challenges and concerns” related to new military technologies, including artificial intelligence and autonomous weapon systems, garnered support from over 150 nations in December.
Outraged Species
According to an AFP tally based on official figures, Hamas carried out a remarkable assault on Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,160 casualties, predominantly civilians.
Hamas also captured around 250 individuals, with Israel reporting that 132 remain in Gaza, including at least 29 presumed deceased.
The Israeli military response has led to the deaths of nearly 28,000 people in Gaza, primarily women and children, according to the health department of the Hamas-ruled region.
Similar to other modern conflicts, the proliferation of low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, has significantly influenced the war, making aerial attacks more accessible and cost-effective.
On October 7, Hamas utilized drones to launch munitions, while Israel employed cutting-edge technology for the same purpose.
One primary innovation is the utilization of AI-integrated optical systems attached to firearms like rifles and machine guns, with Smart Shooter being a notable Israeli company in this field.
The top defense official highlighted the significance of these systems in countering Hamas’ drone usage, effectively turning ordinary soldiers into sharpshooters, even those with visual impairments.
Another method involves deploying aircraft equipped with nets to neutralize enemy drones, a technique humorously referred to as “Angry Birds” due to its aircraft-like nature.
Hamas’ Underground Network
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to “eradicate” Hamas by swiftly mapping the underground tunnel network where the group’s operatives are believed to be hiding and holding hostages.
Referred to as the “Gaza Metro” by the military, a recent study by the US Military Academy estimated over 1,300 tunnels spanning more than 500 kilometers (310 miles).
To combat this threat, drones equipped with AI technology are being employed to detect human presence underground and map the intricate tunnel systems, including a drone developed by the Israeli startup Robotican housed in an AI casing.
The senior Israeli defense official explained that this technology enables exploration of caves and tunnels to a considerable depth, enhancing surveillance capabilities.
Prior to the conflict, technological limitations prevented drones from operating underwater due to image transmission issues, a challenge that has now been overcome.
The ongoing conflict has raised ethical concerns regarding the use of advanced technologies in warfare while solidifying Israel’s reputation as a leading producer of cutting-edge defense systems globally.
The United States, a key ally of Israel providing substantial military aid, has been training its soldiers to utilize Smart Shooter retinal sights for drone interception, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
A drone attack in Jordan resulted in the tragic deaths of three US soldiers in late January.
This article was sourced from a syndicated provider and has not undergone editorial review by NDTV staff, except for the title.
