IDF satellites delivered real-time wartime intelligence, proving Israel’s unmatched space superiority against Iran’s aggression.
Israel’s space-warfare revolution took center stage at the International DefenseTech Summit as Avi Berger, Head of the Space Program Office in the Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), unveiled the scope of Israel’s space-enabled dominance during Operation Rising Lion — the war with Iran.
Berger revealed that Israel’s satellite constellation was deeply integrated into every phase of combat:
“Our satellites were full partners before, during, and after the operation. Over 12 days, we collected tens of millions of square kilometers of ultra-high-quality imagery — day and night — building targets in real time and providing secure communications without risking Israeli forces.”
Israel’s wartime space capability proved decisive, giving the IDF constant visibility across enemy territory while Iran attempted — and failed — to conceal its military infrastructure.
Israel’s goal: total space dominance across the Middle East
Berger emphasized that the war with Iran reinforced a critical strategic lesson:
Israel must dramatically expand its investment in space to stay ahead of its enemies.
“Our aim is for Israeli space capabilities to be present at every point in the Middle East — collecting intelligence and providing alerts around the clock, in all conditions.”
Berger stated unequivocally:
“Space is a decisive component in guaranteeing the IDF’s freedom of action.”
A global gathering of defense innovation leaders
The summit convened top Israeli and international figures, including:
- Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, IMOD Director General
- Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold, architect of Iron Dome
- Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Prof. Isaac Ben-Israel, conference chairman
- Brig. Gen. Benny Aminov, Military R&D chief
- Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nitzan Alon, now leading DefenseTech investment
- Michael Dodd, U.S. Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies
- Dame Fiona Murray, MIT Innovation Dean
- Shaun Maguire, Partner at Sequoia Capital
- Senior executives from Rheinmetall, Starburst, and other global defense giants
Their presence underscored that Israel has become the world’s beating heart of defense innovation.
Israel’s DefenseTech ecosystem: now leading the world
Col. Yishai Kohn, head of Planning, Economics, & IT at DDR&D, highlighted a dramatic shift in Israel’s defense-tech landscape:
“Reaching first place is difficult; staying first is even harder. This war proved that Israel leads the world in battlefield innovation.”
Kohn revealed groundbreaking economic data:
- For the first time ever, private investment in Israeli defense startups surpassed government investment.
- In the past year, companies partnering with DDR&D raised or exited over $1 billion.
- DDR&D will allocate a double-digit percentage of its R&D budget to startups and small/medium enterprises next year.
This surge demonstrates overwhelming investor confidence in Israel’s defense sector — not only for national security but as a global economic engine.
Kohn emphasized the unity of Israel’s innovation ecosystem:
Israel’s space-warfare revolution took center stage at the International DefenseTech Summit as Avi Berger, Head of the Space Program Office in the Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), unveiled the scope of Israel’s space-enabled dominance during Operation Rising Lion — the war with Iran.
Berger revealed that Israel’s satellite constellation was deeply integrated into every phase of combat:
“Our satellites were full partners before, during, and after the operation. Over 12 days, we collected tens of millions of square kilometers of ultra-high-quality imagery — day and night — building targets in real time and providing secure communications without risking Israeli forces.”
Israel’s wartime space capability proved decisive, giving the IDF constant visibility across enemy territory while Iran attempted — and failed — to conceal its military infrastructure.
Israel’s goal: total space dominance across the Middle East
Berger emphasized that the war with Iran reinforced a critical strategic lesson:
Israel must dramatically expand its investment in space to stay ahead of its enemies.
“Our aim is for Israeli space capabilities to be present at every point in the Middle East — collecting intelligence and providing alerts around the clock, in all conditions.”
Berger stated unequivocally:
“Space is a decisive component in guaranteeing the IDF’s freedom of action.”
A global gathering of defense innovation leaders
The summit convened top Israeli and international figures, including:
- Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, IMOD Director General
- Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold, architect of Iron Dome
- Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Prof. Isaac Ben-Israel, conference chairman
- Brig. Gen. Benny Aminov, Military R&D chief
- Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nitzan Alon, now leading DefenseTech investment
- Michael Dodd, U.S. Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies
- Dame Fiona Murray, MIT Innovation Dean
- Shaun Maguire, Partner at Sequoia Capital
- Senior executives from Rheinmetall, Starburst, and other global defense giants
Their presence underscored that Israel has become the world’s beating heart of defense innovation.
Israel’s DefenseTech ecosystem: now leading the world
Col. Yishai Kohn, head of Planning, Economics, & IT at DDR&D, highlighted a dramatic shift in Israel’s defense-tech landscape:
“Reaching first place is difficult; staying first is even harder. This war proved that Israel leads the world in battlefield innovation.”
Kohn revealed groundbreaking economic data:
- For the first time ever, private investment in Israeli defense startups surpassed government investment.
- In the past year, companies partnering with DDR&D raised or exited over $1 billion.
- DDR&D will allocate a double-digit percentage of its R&D budget to startups and small/medium enterprises next year.
This surge demonstrates overwhelming investor confidence in Israel’s defense sector — not only for national security but as a global economic engine.
Kohn emphasized the unity of Israel’s innovation ecosystem:
“Israel’s security and Israel’s economy are inseparable. Our partnership with private industry strengthens both.”
