IDF Plans New Space Corps and Robotics Brigade in Multi-Billion Shekel Push

The Israel Defense Forces are planning to establish a dedicated space corps in the coming years with a massive multi-billion-shekel investment, aiming to deploy dozens and eventually hundreds of spy satellites. This initiative is part of a broader technological revolution championed by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir under the multi-year "Hoshen" plan.

Expanding Satellite Constellations

The core of the strategy involves launching large constellations of smaller satellites, inspired by American commercial pioneers like SpaceX. These satellites will provide continuous intelligence coverage over multiple global zones simultaneously, addressing current gaps where traditional satellites take hours to orbit back over specific targets. While the Ministry of Finance has raised concerns over funding—pointing to recent tight budget cuts required to finance Apache helicopter acquisitions and a proposed defense budget reaching 183 billion shekels for 2026—military planners argue these advanced systems are vital for future operational readiness.

Robotics and Autonomous Warfare

In tandem with the space initiative, the IDF is establishing a new robotics brigade under the Depth Corps, commanded by Maj. Gen. Dan Goldfus. This brigade will focus on deploying autonomous ground vehicles, tactical drones, and unmanned aerial systems to reduce human soldier casualties in combat zones. Defense-tech companies and major contractors, including Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems, are expected to play a central role in supplying these autonomous systems and satellite payloads.

"We are accelerating several programs by leaps and bounds, bringing science fiction into reality," a senior defense official told Calcalist. Beyond reconnaissance, the military is also exploring space warfare capabilities and robust cyber defenses to protect orbiting assets from anti-satellite weapons and space debris.