Jerusalem, 20 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel is creating a dedicated military division for space warfare, seeking to coordinate its satellite-based intelligence and develop capabilities for future military operations beyond Earth’s atmosphere, the Israel Defense Forces announced Tuesday.
Brig. Gen. S., identified only by his first initial in Hebrew, was selected to lead the new Space Division during a round of senior appointments by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. The division will operate within the military’s Planning Directorate, which oversees force development and long-term strategy.
The move formalizes space as a distinct area of military expertise rather than leaving its various components distributed among existing units. The military said the division would “lead force buildup and operations, consolidate knowledge and training, and advance the field of space as a dedicated military profession.”
The announcement follows a year of increased activity in military space programs, including projects involving sensors in orbit that collect information about the Earth and the development of capabilities related to space warfare.
“The space domain has become an active combat domain and will become an increasingly expanding military arena in the coming years, with national significance,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.
Israel already relies on space technology for intelligence gathering and defense. The Israeli Air Force has handled space-related operations, including satellite launches and ballistic missile defense. Once launched, the military’s reconnaissance satellites are controlled by Unit 9900, a visual intelligence unit within the Military Intelligence Directorate.
It was not specified how the new division would divide responsibilities with existing bodies or which operational capabilities it would directly oversee.
“The goal set for the IDF and the defense establishment is to make Israel one of the world’s leading countries in the field of space security,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said. “The ability to monitor, defend and attack from space any target across vast areas will cement Israel’s status as a regional and global power, deter near and distant enemies, and ensure our security for generations to come.”
The defense minister also argued that the investment could have consequences beyond national security, helping Israeli companies develop technologies for civilian markets. He said military space programs could strengthen research, entrepreneurship and manufacturing while supporting Israel’s emergence as a civilian space technology center.
The IDF also announced plans to establish a Robotics Brigade to consolidate work on robotic technologies and to revive the 500th Armored Brigade, which was disbanded in 2003.
