From rifles to drones: Is the IDF ready for the next weapons revolution? - opinion
The drone is becoming what the rifle once was: a basic combat tool. Will the IDF adapt training before its enemies adapt faster?
On February 24, 1525, the armies of France and Charles V's empire clashed at the Battle of Pavia, marking a major turning point in military history. This battle shifted the balance of power from armored cavalry to infantry armed with firearms, showcasing how technology can change the nature of warfare. Five hundred years later, Israel finds itself facing another military revolution, one driven by personal weapons: human-operated drones and robotic platforms.
The shift from personal weapons to drones demands a reevaluation of basic skills for every soldier. While traditional combat ranges were tens to hundreds of meters, drones extend the battlefield to kilometers. In some missions, soldiers operate drones remotely, relying on screens for visual input instead of personal sight. This requires a new set of skills beyond traditional combat training.
Israel, with its technological edge, may face a disadvantage when it comes to widespread drone proficiency among soldiers. The question arises: is Israel's defense-technology ecosystem allocating enough resources to ensure that basic drone operation becomes a fundamental skill for every combat soldier, similar to handling a personal weapon? This is crucial as the test lies not only in developing advanced drones but also in training soldiers to use simple drones effectively.
The revolution in drone warfare must begin with basic training. Every combat soldier should learn the strengths and limitations of drones, gain hands-on experience, and understand safe operation. This should be an integral part of basic training, not an enrichment course or specialized track for a select few. As the IDF allocates training hours, it must consider whether its current framework aligns with the battlefield of the future.
Piloting expanded drone and robotics training in selected frameworks can help measure its impact on unit readiness and overall combat skills, ensuring that the IDF is prepared for this evolving technological landscape.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
