One of the most advanced creations is the Jaguar, a semi‑autonomous ground robot developed by the IDF and IAI.
By Hezy Laing
The IDF is increasingly turning to in‑house innovation to meet the demands of modern warfare, building robotic systems that can withstand the unique challenges of combat in Gaza, Lebanon, and beyond.
While global defense markets offer a wide range of unmanned systems, IDF commanders concluded that none provided the precise mix of autonomy, durability, and adaptability required for Israel’s battlefield conditions.
As a result, the military has invested heavily in developing its own robotic arsenal, often in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (MAFAT) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
One of the most advanced creations is the Jaguar, a semi‑autonomous ground robot developed by the IDF and IAI.
Operational since April 2021, the Jaguar patrols the Gaza border equipped with high‑resolution cameras, dozens of sensors, and a 7.62 mm MAG machine gun.
Commercial patrol robots lacked the ability to operate continuously in hostile border zones and were too fragile for combat deployment.
The Jaguar was therefore built to withstand rugged terrain, self‑navigate obstacles, and even self‑destruct to prevent capture.
Complementing it are smaller remote‑controlled vehicles like Roni, Talon, and Panda, which are deployed to clear paths, detect explosives, and protect soldiers in urban combat.
Off‑the‑shelf bomb‑disposal robots proved inadequate in Gaza’s dense tunnel networks, often breaking down under heavy loads or failing to maneuver in confined spaces.
The IDF designed these systems with reinforced chassis, advanced cameras, and robotic arms tailored for subterranean warfare, ensuring they could neutralize threats without exposing operators.
Another notable system is the Roboteam Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), developed by Israeli firm Roboteam but customized for IDF needs.
Used extensively in the 2023–2025 Israel‑Hamas war, these UGVs carried supplies, evacuated wounded soldiers, and scouted tunnels.
Commercial logistics robots lacked the endurance and communications resilience required in combat zones.
Roboteam’s UGVs were therefore adapted with encrypted networks, ruggedized frames, and modular payloads to meet battlefield demands.
The IDF’s decision to build its own robots reflects a broader doctrine: technology must adapt to Israel’s unique threats, not the other way around.
By creating systems like Jaguar, Roni, Talon, Panda, and Roboteam’s UGVs, the IDF ensured that its soldiers are supported by machines designed specifically for their battlefield realities, marking Israel as a global leader in military robotics.
