Modern Warfare: How Israel is neutralising and pushing out Hamas using AI

The recent flare-up between Hamas and Israel’s IDF, and the way it is playing out, shows what AI has done to warfare. The effect on the ground may not seem that different. However, the manner in which Israel is managing its campaign, shows just how crucial a weapon AI has become outside the battlefield. After Hamas, launched an all-out attack on Israel, the IDF responded with all its might in what can only be described as one of the most recent brutal military campaigns in Gaza, in recent history. While at least 900 people have died in Israel, over 2500 injured and several hundred abducted, over 1,00,000 people have been displaced in Gaza so far, with about 700 killed. While the attack by Hamas is being seen as a massive failure for Mossad, one cannot deny the fact that had Israel not incorporated AI in its military doctrine, the attack over the weekend would have been far deadlier. Here’s how Israel has been using AI to deter and retaliate against Hamas Israel’s Iron Dome The Iron Dome, a defence system that uses radar technology, was primarily designed to intercept short-range rockets and mortars targeted at Israel. Its operation involves the utilization of predictive analytics and machine learning to identify and neutralize incoming projectiles. The system can detect an incoming rocket from distances of up to 70 kilometres by considering various factors such as speed, weather conditions, and the projectile’s size to accurately calculate its trajectory and potential point of impact. Upon gathering this critical data, the control centre carefully analyzes it and, when necessary, deploys a counter-missile to intercept and eliminate the enemy rocket threat. If the system determines that a rocket is headed towards an unpopulated area where there will be little or no damage, it may opt not to engage. Israel reported that Hamas had fired at least 3,000 rockets during the attack on Saturday. The IDF said that their Iron Dome air defence system effectively intercepted nearly 90 per cent of these rockets, leading to minimal to no damage. However, Hamas insists that they had launched over 5,000 rockets and claimed that each one had successfully hit its intended target. This discrepancy in the number of rockets fired and their purported accuracy underscores the multifaceted nature of the ongoing conflict and the divergent narratives presented by the parties involved. Fire Factory: AI for logistics IDF has also incorporated AI into their military operations to improve logistical organisation during conflict and expedite decision-making processes. Israel is also using AI to improve target selection. The IDF also uses an AI, called ‘Fire Factory,’ to rapidly coordinate raids and logistics. Fire Factory used target-related data to calculate the required ammunition loads, allocate targets to fighter jets and military drones, and generate a schedule, which saves a ton of time and more importantly, saves lives in the process. In all of these cases, the AI systems merely make suggestions, the final decision is still with a human. Using AI to takedown launchpads and weapon shipments Since 2021, Israel has been using AI to identify rocket launchpads and deploy drone swarms, marking a significant advancement in their military capabilities. Furthermore, the IDF has used AI for the analysis of satellite imagery, enabling more efficient and accurate intelligence gathering. The IDF has also used AI to conduct successful raids on weapon shipments destined for Iran-backed militants such as Hezbollah, located in Syria and Lebanon. Blue Wolf, the ‘Facebook for Hamas Terrorists’ Israel has been using facial recognition technology for about two years as part of an operation known as “Blue Wolf”. It is aimed at safeguarding the nation against potential terrorist threats. Reports have suggested that the Israeli military has accumulated a vast database of facial images, likened to a secretive “Facebook for Palestinians” by a former soldier, as reported by The Washington Post. According to the head of Israel’s defence ministry, Israel is determined to become a powerhouse in the world of artificial intelligence. They’re setting their sights on boosting their capabilities in autonomous warfare and making smarter decisions in combat. Retired army general Eyal Zamir echoed this sentiment at the Herzliya Conference, an annual global security gathering, pointing out that many believe AI is poised to revolutionize how battles are fought on the frontlines.