The Israeli army has ordered thousands of drones from two Chinese companies for its ground forces, sources told Globes. The orders, placed by the weapons division of the Israeli Ground Forces Command, include extensive equipment for drones manufactured by two companies in Shenzhen in southern China: DJI, which dominates the world's civilian drone market, and Autel Robotics, which produces the popular EVO drone. model.
It is estimated that the drones will mainly serve for short-range photography and reconnaissance missions inside and outside buildings and for intelligence gathering in Gaza. Chinese drones will have difficulty operating on Israel's northern front, where Hezbollah has advanced capabilities in identifying drones using the aeroscope system.
Chinese drones are easy to operate and are therefore particularly suitable for reservists who serve in the army for short periods. Six months after the army was filled with Chinese drones made by DJI, Autel and the American company Skydio, which were voluntarily acquired by third parties, the IDF decided to purchase drones from Chinese companies but “sterilize” them to cut off their production. Ability to communicate with the source company. The most sophisticated Israeli drones in the IDF are reserved for regular forces.
Already on the blacklist
The use of Chinese-made drones poses a problem due to the ban on their use by any US government authority, and in light of China's rapprochement with Iran and the assistance it provides to Russia in its war in Ukraine. According to the US government, DJI is known for the “dual use” of its products. On the one hand, it markets civilian products to every buyer, and on the other hand, it develops products for use by China's security services, which is why Western militaries restrict the use of its products.
The US Department of Defense added DJI to its blacklist of Chinese exporters in 2022 and banned all security organizations in the country from using it, for fear that the drones were transmitting information to the Chinese government as well as for fear of information security violations that could lead to a third party hijacking them and using them to launch an attack. electronic. The US Treasury also issued a ban on US investors making financial investments in the Chinese company.
Although Autel has not been blacklisted as a quasi-US company, it is under investigation by the US Congress for what members of Congress call a threat to US national security by transmitting sensitive information to outside parties. The members of Congress also allege that Otel supports the Russian invasion of Ukraine and is helping China suppress the Uyghur minority, as well as other minorities in China, and are demanding that the company be added to the Department of Commerce, Department of Defense and Department of State. Treasury blacklists
In response, Autel issued a statement saying it “opposes the use of drone products for military uses that violate human rights. Any concerns raised in the media about the illegal use of our technology are unfounded and speculative.” It is estimated that the Autel EVO drones ordered by the IDF will be manufactured in the United States and not in a factory in China, and this is how the IDF plans to allay fears.
Also a province of China
There are many restrictions on the use of off-the-shelf drones in China. Iran and Hezbollah have aeroscope systems to detect drones made in China, as well as the ability to locate and attack their operator. There is the possibility that information such as location or images may be transmitted through the drone's firmware (software embedded in a device) to Chinese authorities, or to a third party that takes control of it through a cyberattack; Attempts to customize drones for the requirements of different units, which could be done in an unprofessional manner and cause injuries to soldiers, while creating dependence on Chinese equipment, can be stopped at any time by a political decision. Since the outbreak of the war, China has acted as an ally of Hamas and Iran by not condemning the October 7 attack, vetoing resolutions against Hamas and in favor of Israel's right to self-defense in the UN Security Council. China has strengthened its alliance with Iran in recent years and has become the largest customer for exporting its oil since 2018.
The Western ban on Chinese products is not one-way. China began limiting the export of drones and drone construction equipment to Western countries last August, and this had a negative impact on the war in Ukraine. Now, Israeli companies are reporting shortages of drone spare parts in Israel as well, such as engines. Meanwhile, other companies reported that business with China was continuing as usual.
Alternatives on the battlefield
The war has left the Israeli army unprepared in terms of defense against drones, as well as ill-equipped with reconnaissance and attack drones. The Hamas attack on Israel began on October 7 with drones that shut down Israel's border control and warning system and allowed terrorists to penetrate the separation fence unhindered. The vacuum in the drone space has led to thousands of reservists bringing their own drones from home with them, and there have also been those who have organized private donations to equip themselves with drones, many of them Chinese drones made by DJI – the highest quality. – An off-the-shelf product that only costs a few thousand dollars.
The Israeli military has also purchased drones made by Israeli companies Elbit Systems (Nasdaq: ELST; TASE: ELST), Robotican, and Extend for various purposes such as surveillance, penetrating buildings and tunnels, and thwarting terrorists. Robotican and Extend drones can enter buildings and tunnels to identify and thwart terrorists. These are FPV attack drones, which are more expensive and can cost tens of thousands of dollars each. Chinese drones made by DJI and Autel have proven to be highly effective on the battlefield in missions such as intelligence gathering due to their high-quality cameras and low price.
However, the Israeli Ministry of Defense is working to find Israeli alternatives in the future. These efforts include building a factory in the south for Extended, which will have a weekly production capacity of hundreds of drones.
The IDF spokesman said in response: “The IDF purchases and operates drones of various types. All purchases are made in accordance with the security classification of the mission. The above-mentioned drones are purchased at the same time as the pilot”. Drones of various types are made in Israel. As part of the procurement process, all necessary tests are carried out to enable the use of drones of this type in the service of the Israeli army. After these tests, unique modifications were made to the drones to protect information security.”
Published by Globes, Israel Business News – en.globes.co.il – on April 25, 2024.
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