The IDF’s C4I and Cyber Defense Directorate has announced the creation of a new operational-technological division for artificial intelligence, named “Bina” (Hebrew for “intelligence”), which will develop and lead the military’s AI capabilities. Brig. Gen. B. will command the division, which will initiate developments and systems using AI technologies to enhance the IDF’s operational effectiveness. Most existing units involved in AI — including Shahar, Matzpen, Mamram, the AI Center of Excellence, and the Software and Information School (Basmach) — have been consolidated under the new division.
Maj. Gen. Aviad Dagan, head of the directorate, said the goal is to build an efficient "machine" for the coming decade, aimed at readiness for war and increasing forces: “To turn one tank into a hundred tanks, one soldier into a hundred fighters.”
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IDF’s C4I and Cyber Defense Directorate has announced the creation of a new operational-technological division for artificial intelligence
(Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
For example, the Directorate recently developed a software tool that transcribes all IDF radio networks in real-time, cataloging everything into a database processed by AI. Brigade commanders in the field no longer needa status report — they simply ask, and the system provides an immediate answer.
The new division is part of a broader organizational restructuring, which also includes the closure of the Lotem Technology Unit, the IDF’s main software unit. The Directorate will now consist of five operational divisions, three of which are new. Two of them will be headed by female officers with the rank of brigadier general.
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The goal: to bring the technology to soldiers in the field
(Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
In addition to “Bina,” a classified division for spectrum and strategic communications called “Sphera” will be established, responsible for advanced communication capabilities across land, sea, air, space, and time zones. It includes development centers, engineering units, Maof, Hosen, Prisma, and the Spectrum Warfare Center — which was responsible for downing about 25% of drones launched at Israel over the past two years. “Sphera” will be commanded by Brig. Gen. Racheli Dembinsky, formerly head of Mamram.
Another new unit, the Manpower Building Division, will lead strategy, policy and force-building processes across the Directorate’s areas, including digital partnerships within the IDF, the defense industry and international actors. Brig. Gen. Yael Grossman, former head of Lotem, will command this division.
Two existing divisions will continue to operate: the Cyber Defense Division, led by Brig. Gen. L., which will be reinforced with more resources, and the Operations Division, under Brig. Gen. Omer Cohen.
The restructuring followed an extensive review within the Directorate to determine the optimal model for fast-evolving global technologies and future challenges. The new “capsule” model — inspired by lessons from the Swords of Iron war, leading global militaries and civilian tech companies — enables each division to independently manage all aspects of its domain, from cyber and AI to cloud and spectrum.
The C4I and Cyber Defense Directorate was established in 2003 and is responsible for building and operating the IDF’s digital, multi-domain, and strategic capabilities. Maj. Gen. Dagan, 52, is a former combat pilot and co-founder of several civilian startups, including Pango. He re-enlisted in 2005 and previously commanded the Hatzerim Airbase. During the Swords of Iron war, he reportedly flew operational combat missions over Iran.