The IDF Army Headquarters Procurement Directorate has placed an order for thousands of multicopter drones from Chinese manufacturers DJI and Autel Robotics, who are leading players in the civilian drone market. These drones have been utilized by the IDF in Gaza for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering purposes during the ongoing conflict. This marks a shift from previous instances where drones were supplied as “gifts” by volunteers and organizations, to centralized procurement.
It is important to note that the United States has banned the use of DJI equipment by its security forces due to concerns regarding information security and cybersecurity. The IDF press office has stated that the procurement of drones is done based on the operational needs of the IDF, with necessary checks and modifications being made to the purchased devices.
Chinese-made drones have become 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.
In conclusion, the IDF’s procurement of multicopter drones from Chinese manufacturers signifies a strategic shift in their approach to utilizing drone technology for military operations. Despite concerns raised by other countries regarding information security, the IDF sees value in these drones for their operational needs.