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ISRAEL AT WAR - DAY 588

Momentum Plan

An autonomous robotic dog manufactured by the Rafael defense contractor equipped with advanced sensors that can be used by soldiers in urban warfare, as seen in a demonstration of the device on December 24, 2020. (Rafael Advanced Defense Systems)
December 27, 2020, 9:17 pm
Rafael seeks to outfit IDF with drones, robots that spot threats by themselves
Defense contractor displays new artificial intelligence-powered military hardware, techniques that it says will shape the battlefield of the future
By Judah Ari Gross
Illustrative: Three pilots stand in front of an F-16 fighter jet as it takes off from the Israeli Air Force's 117th Squadron, which was closed on September 30, 2020. (Israel Defense Forces)
September 30, 2020, 5:55 pm
IDF closes fighter jet squadron, ending 67 years of operations
Move comes as part of military’s Momentum Plan, meant to free up resources for more advanced aircraft; troops to be moved to other units
By Judah Ari Gross
An IDF tank is seen firing a shell during an exercise in an undated photograph. (Israel Defense Forces)
August 17, 2020, 7:25 pm
With drones, robots and sensors, IDF readies Ground Forces for future war
Army looks to give high-powered tech to ground troops and improve communication between military branches as part of multi-year Momentum Plan
By Judah Ari Gross
Soldiers from the IDF's Ghost Unit take part in a weeks-long training exercise in July 2020. (Israel Defense Forces)
July 23, 2020, 6:13 pm
In 1st drill, IDF’s Ghost Unit tests out new tactics with jets, tanks and robots
Innovative detachment was created as part of military’s multiyear plan; is meant to come up with and try out new fighting techniques
By Judah Ari Gross
Soldiers from the Israeli Air Force's elite Unit 669 take part in an exercise in an undated photograph. (Israel Defense Forces)
July 12, 2020, 5:02 pm
Air force brings all special forces under one roof with new 7th Wing
In streamlining effort, search-and-rescue Unit 669, Shaldag commando unit, and outfit that builds airfields behind enemy lines to combine into Aerial Special Forces Wing
By Judah Ari Gross
IDF special forces take part in an exercise in Cyprus simulating war in the north in December 2019. (Israel Defense Forces)
July 8, 2020, 9:26 pm
IDF cancels large drill planned for September, citing financial woes
Decision to scrap the exercise, in which thousands of reservists were to take part, comes amid negotiations between military and treasury over defense budget
By Judah Ari Gross
IDF Brig. Gen. Tal Kalman (center) is promoted to the rank of major general on June 18, 2020. (Israel Defense Forces)
June 18, 2020, 9:09 pm
Ex-fighter pilot tasked with leading Iran fight promoted to major general
Second officer, Brig. Gen. Tomer Bar, also goes up in rank as he takes over newly restructured position focused on developing new fighting techniques
By Judah Ari Gross
IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi speaks at a ceremony at the Military Colleges campus north of Tel Aviv on June 8, 2020. (Israel Defense Forces)
June 8, 2020, 11:03 pm
IDF chief warns against false sense of security amid war for defense budget
At ceremony marking military’s role in COVID-19 response, Kohavi says relative calm should not lull country into complacency
By Judah Ari Gross
An Israeli F-16 of the 117th Squadron takes off at Ramat David Airbase. (Ofer Zidon/Flash90)
May 13, 2020, 10:43 pm
IDF to shutter F-16 fighter jet squadron, making room for new aircraft
As part of military’s Momentum Plan, Ramat David airbase’s 117th First Jet Squadron to close, ending its 67-year history
By Judah Ari Gross
Brig.-Gen. Tal Kalman, chief of staff of the Israeli Air Force, discusses the changing threats against Israel during the Fisher Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies' annual conference in Tel Aviv's Hilton Hotel on April 3, 2016. (The Fisher Institute)
February 25, 2020, 10:55 pm
Ex-fighter pilot tapped to lead fight against Iran with new General Staff role
Another air force officer also slated to command newly formed Force Design Directorate, as military announces fresh appointments
By Judah Ari Gross
Illustrative: IDF troops near the Israel-Syria border, in the Golan Heights on January 3, 2020. (Basel Awidat/Flash90)
February 18, 2020, 5:35 pm
In shakeup, IDF to create new general position to counter Iran
Chief of Staff Kohavi to restructure Planning Directorate into department focused on developing and rolling out new combat doctrines
By Judah Ari Gross
Illustrative. Israeli soldiers from the Lotar counter-terrorism unit take part in a training session in the Adam military base near Modiin on July 22, 2019. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
February 13, 2020, 5:24 pm
The IDF’s new plan: From ‘Waze of War’ to a general charged with countering Iran
Multiyear Momentum Plan is designed to create a deadlier, more integrated military, though lack of government makes money an issue
By Judah Ari Gross
Soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces' new Faran Brigade, which will defend the Egyptian-Israeli border, take part in a training exercise in southern Israel in November 2018. (Israel Defense Forces)
January 26, 2020, 3:16 pm
Bennett okays IDF’s multi-year plan, but funding unclear
Defense minister says Momentum Plan will make military ‘more flexible, intelligent and lethal,’ though he declines to comment on how he’ll pay for it
By Judah Ari Gross
IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi addresses a group of Kfir Brigade soldiers stationed at the Gaza border on January 22, 2020. (Israel Defense Forces)
January 22, 2020, 7:46 pm
IDF announces plans to turn Kfir Brigade into ‘superior’ infantry force
Military says move, which would put the unit on par with other infantry brigades, is part of multi-year Momentum Plan to improve army
By Judah Ari Gross
Illustrative. Infantry soldiers take aim in front of a tank during an exercise in southern Israel on August 14, 2017. (Cpl. Eden Briand/Israel Defense Forces/Flickr)
January 1, 2020, 5:32 pm
IDF unveils first-of-its-kind unit unifying pilots, tank drivers and more
Military says the unit, which has yet to be named, will focus on ‘locating, attacking and destroying the enemy,’ will also be used to try out new fighting techniques and tactics
By Judah Ari Gross
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