Israel, Iran to expand military use of AI

Shafaq News – Middle East

Israel is preparing to deploy an
artificial-intelligence-enabled counter-drone system, Israeli media reported on
Thursday.

Israeli outlets said the military
plans to position the Swarm Guard (UAS-C) system near Egypt and Jordan, with
possible deployment south of Lebanon also under consideration.

Developed by Israel Aerospace
Industries (IAI), the system is designed to detect, identify, disrupt and
intercept unmanned aerial vehicles, including coordinated drone swarms, Maariv
reported, citing the company.

Descriptions published by the
newspaper said Swarm Guard combines artificial intelligence and machine
learning with radar, electro-optical sensors, electronic warfare capabilities,
and a unified command-and-control platform. The system analyses threats in real
time and suggests response options, while leaving final engagement decisions to
human operators.

i24NEWS linked the planned
deployment to an increase in attempts to smuggle weapons and narcotics from
Egypt and Jordan using drones. The channel said tighter restrictions around
Gaza and Israeli control of the Philadelphi Corridor have disrupted traditional
smuggling routes, prompting greater reliance on unmanned aircraft.

Israeli media did not disclose
how many systems would be deployed or provide a timetable for their entry into
service.

Separately, Iran is also
expanding the use of artificial intelligence within its armed forces, according
to the state-linked Mehr News Agency.

Iran’s Army Ground Force
Commander Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi said the force is equipping its
units with artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to defend the
country against external threats, Mehr reported.

Iranian authorities have not
released specific information on AI-based systems, deployment locations, or
implementation timelines, beyond general statements on military modernization.