Artificial intelligence/Photo: Depositphotos
Today, IT is a driving force in the defence industry, and Ukraine and Israel are two countries that, through their experience and innovation, demonstrate how digital solutions can determine success in modern conflicts. Despite their different contexts, both countries have made significant progress in integrating technology into the security sector. Here’s what it looks like based on real-world evidence.
Ukraine: technology at the forefront
Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has become a hotbed of defence innovation. One of the key examples is the massive use of drones. According to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, as of 2024, the country has deployed more than 200,000 drones of various types, from commercial DJI to those developed by local companies such as Aerorazvidka. Ukrainian IT specialists have created software, such as Kropyva, that allows for real-time coordination of artillery strikes and analysis of drone data.
Another breakthrough was the Delta platform, a situational awareness system developed by the Ministry of Defence’s Centre for Innovation. It integrates data from satellites, intelligence and sensors, using artificial intelligence algorithms to predict enemy actions. In 2023, Delta helped identify more than 300 enemy targets in one month, according to military analysts.
In addition, Ukraine is actively using cyber weapons. According to the State Service for Special Communications, in 2022-2023, Ukrainian cyber specialists repelled more than 4,500 attacks on critical infrastructure, and Ukraine’s IT army conducted dozens of operations against Russian resources, including website blocking and data leaks.
Israel: high-tech defence
Israel has long been a world leader in defence technology. According to the Stockholm Institute of Peace Research (SIPRI), in 2023, the country ranked 10th among the largest arms exporters, much of it based on IT developments. The Iron Dome system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, is an example of the integration of radar, sensors and artificial intelligence. Since 2011, it has intercepted more than 2,500 rockets with an accuracy of 90%, according to official IDF data.
Israel is also a leader in cybersecurity. Check Point Software Technologies, founded in 1993, had annual revenues of more than $2.5 billion in 2023, providing cyber defence solutions to governments and corporations around the world. The military’s Unit 8200, which trains cyber intelligence specialists, has become a source for start-ups such as NSO Group, whose technologies (including Pegasus) are used for espionage and counterterrorism.
Drone technology is another of Israel’s strengths. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) developed the Harop drone, which has been exported to Asia and Europe since the 2000s. In 2023, Israel signed a $1.2 billion contract with India to supply these systems.
Common ground and collaboration
Ukraine and Israel already have a history of cooperation. In 2020, the Israeli company Elbit Systems supplied Ukraine with equipment for the modernisation of armoured vehicles, and in 2023, Ukrainian drones began testing Israeli guidance systems as part of an informal partnership, as reported by sources in the Ministry of Defence. In February 2024, at a conference in Tel Aviv, representatives of the Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation discussed with Israeli firms the possibility of jointly developing cyber defences for critical infrastructure.
Ukraine’s experience in rapidly adapting technology to war complements Israel’s expertise in creating high-precision systems. For example, Israeli sensors could improve the effectiveness of Ukrainian drones, which in 2024 carried out more than 15,000 strikes on enemy positions, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In return, Ukraine could offer Israel access to its data on real-world combat conditions, an invaluable resource for testing technologies.
Challenges and prospects
Both countries face cyber threats. In 2023, Israel suffered 1,200 serious cyberattacks, according to the National Cyber Authority, while Ukraine fights Russian hackers every day. Developing joint solutions could strengthen their defences.
The economic potential is also significant. According to Deloitte analysts, the global defence IT market will reach $150 billion by 2030. Cooperation between Ukraine and Israel could attract investments from NATO or the United States, which already support Ukrainian projects (for example, $300 million from the Pentagon in 2024).
Looking to tomorrow
Ukraine and Israel are demonstrating how IT technologies are transforming defence. From Ukraine’s drones and cyberattacks to Israel’s Iron Dome and Harop, their achievements are impressive. By joining forces, these countries can not only strengthen their own security, but also influence global trends where technology is becoming the main weapon of the future.
Author: Marianna Nyzhnia
