The Rex MK II embodies the IDF’s broader shift toward robotic warfare, where machines take on dangerous and exhausting tasks.
By Hezy Laing
The IDF has been steadily integrating robotics into their battlefield doctrine, and one of the most striking examples is the Rex MK II, a robotic mule designed to accompany troops in combat.
Built by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Rex MK II is a four-wheeled unmanned ground vehicle capable of carrying weapons, ammunition, supplies, and even evacuating injured soldiers.
Its defining feature is its autonomous “follow-me” mode, which allows it to trail behind infantry units without constant remote control, freeing soldiers to focus on combat rather than logistics.
The Rex MK II represents a new generation of battlefield support systems.
Unlike earlier remote-controlled robots, it uses advanced sensors and AI navigation to adapt to terrain and maintain formation with troops.
It can carry up to 1.3 tons of equipment, making it invaluable in urban warfare or rugged environments where traditional supply vehicles cannot reach.
In comparison, the U.S. Army’s Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) and Russia’s Uran-6 robotic systems serve similar roles, but the Rex MK II is distinguished by its compact design, autonomous following capability, and integration with IDF command-and-control networks.
In real-world operations, the Rex MK II has already proven its worth.
During the 2024 Gaza campaign, it was deployed to carry heavy ammunition and water supplies through dense urban streets, reducing the physical burden on infantry.
Rex units were also used to evacuate wounded soldiers under fire, navigating autonomously back to medical stations while troops continued fighting.
Another example came in southern Lebanon, where Rex MK II vehicles transported anti-tank missiles and mortars up steep terrain, enabling rapid resupply during clashes with Hezbollah.
These cases illustrate how the robotic mule is not just a prototype but an operational tool reshaping battlefield logistics.
Cost is always a factor in military innovation, and the Rex MK II is estimated at around $120,000 per unit, depending on configuration.
While this is significant, the IDF views it as a worthwhile investment given the savings in manpower, reduced casualties, and increased efficiency.
By comparison, the U.S. SMET program costs closer to $200,000 per vehicle, highlighting Israel’s ability to produce advanced robotics at relatively lower expense.
The Rex MK II embodies the IDF’s broader shift toward robotic warfare, where machines take on dangerous and exhausting tasks, allowing soldiers to fight more effectively.
As conflicts grow more complex and manpower strains intensify, autonomous support systems like the Rex MK II are likely to become indispensable, not only for Israel but for militaries worldwide.
