Israel: AI to develop military strategies

Boaz Levy

Artificial intelligence, advanced space systems, and the evolution of modern battlefields were at the center of discussions at the opening of the 65th Annual Israeli Conference on Aerospace Sciences (IACAS 2026), held in Israel with the participation of researchers, engineers, scientists, and industry experts from around the world.

The event, considered one of Israel’s leading gatherings in the field of aerospace science and engineering, brought together representatives from the defense industry, academia, and the high-tech sector to discuss the rapid transformations shaping the industry.

Among the most notable speakers was Boaz Levy, Chairman of the Board of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), who dedicated his address to the new realities of modern warfare, the growing integration of artificial intelligence into defense systems, and the importance of maintaining Israel’s technological edge.

Speaking before hundreds of participants, Levy reflected on the operational lessons learned from recent conflicts and highlighted the role played by technologies developed by IAI in Israel’s evolving military doctrines.

Referring to the recent military operation against Iran, “Roaring Lion,” he stated: “IAI’s systems have redefined the boundaries of national protection and rewritten the rules of engagement on the modern battlefield.”

Levy also highlighted the performance of the Arrow missile defense system, developed by Israel to intercept long-range ballistic threats. According to him, several recent interceptions carried out “in space, outside the atmosphere” represent an operational world first and demonstrate the technological capabilities achieved by Israel’s defense industry.

A significant portion of his speech focused on artificial intelligence, which he described as a central component of future military systems. “We are no longer developing only mechanical or electronic systems; we are developing learning systems capable of dynamically adapting to evolving threats on the battlefield,” he explained.

At the same time, Levy emphasized the ethical limitations of these technologies and the need to maintain human oversight in advanced defense systems. “Artificial intelligence is a tremendous force multiplier. But it possesses neither moral judgment nor ethical responsibility. Human beings remain, and will always remain, the most important factor,” he said.

The conference takes place against a backdrop of rapidly increasing global investments in defense, military AI, and space technologies. Israel, already recognized as one of the world’s leading hubs for security innovation, is seeking to further strengthen its position in the fields of autonomous systems, cybersecurity, space technologies, and multi-layered defense capabilities.

Caroline Haïat