Israel Prepares for Wars Beyond Earth

Israel is preparing to launch a new project its defence minister has described as “Star Wars”, as it readies itself for battles in space.

According to information in the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reviewed by Al Ain News, the Israeli military plans to establish a new space brigade, a move described as a “fundamental development”.

The project aims to “expand Israel’s military capabilities beyond Earth’s atmosphere and strengthen the use of space technologies in operations, including orbital surveillance systems and capabilities related to future space warfare”.

The brigade is expected to be established in the coming months. It will oversee the development and operational deployment of military space capabilities under the Israeli military’s multiyear “Hoshen” programme.

The announcement followed a high-level meeting on military appointments held on Monday and chaired by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

According to the Israeli military, the brigade will be responsible for:

• Coordinating the development and operational use of military space capabilities.
• Organising specialised training.
• Establishing space as a distinct military domain.

The military said the decision reflected an assessment that “space has become an active and evolving part of the battlefield, and its military significance is expected to increase in the coming years”.

Over the past year, the Israeli military has advanced several projects in this field, including operating space-based sensors for Earth observation and developing capabilities related to space warfare.

“Israeli Star Wars”

Defence Minister Israel Katz welcomed the announcement, saying the brigade’s creation “forms part of a policy aimed at turning Israel into a military space power”. He described the project as “Israeli Star Wars”.

Katz’s vision extends beyond using satellites for intelligence and surveillance to include developing defensive and offensive capabilities that could eventually be deployed from space.

“The ability to monitor, defend and strike any target from space across vast areas would consolidate Israel’s position as a regional and global power, deter adversaries near and far, and ensure its security for future generations,” Katz said.

He also highlighted the potential economic benefits of investment in military space technologies. Such investment, he said, could support Israel’s technology sector, entrepreneurship and advanced industries, while strengthening its position in civilian space technology through innovations emerging from the defence establishment.

A Robotics Brigade

The organisational changes approved at the appointments meeting were not limited to the space brigade. The Israeli military also decided to establish a specialised robotics brigade within its Depth Corps.