The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Army Headquarters Procurement Directorate has recently placed an order for thousands of multicopter drones from Chinese manufacturers DJI and Autel Robotics. These drones have been used by the IDF in Gaza for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering purposes during the ongoing conflict. This marks a significant shift from previous instances where drones were provided as “gifts” by volunteers and organizations to centralized procurement.
The use of DJI equipment by security forces has been banned in the United States due to concerns regarding information security and cybersecurity. However, the IDF press office has stated that the procurement of drones is done based on operational needs, with necessary checks and modifications being made to the purchased devices. It is worth noting that Chinese-made drones have become increasingly popular in military conflicts in recent years, with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense also acquiring a large number of drones from China.
These drones offer a cost-effective solution for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, making them attractive to military forces around the world. Despite concerns raised by other countries regarding information security, the IDF sees value in these drones for their operational needs. In conclusion, the procurement of multicopter drones from Chinese manufacturers signifies a strategic shift in the IDF’s approach to utilizing drone technology for military operations.
