The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have procured thousands of multicopter drones from two Chinese manufacturers, DJI and Autel Robotics, according to reports from Globes and the Mako website. These drones have been actively used by the IDF in Gaza for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering since the start of the conflict. Previously, the drones used were provided as “gifts” by volunteers and organizations, but this marks a shift to centralized procurement.
The use of Chinese-made drones in military conflicts has become increasingly popular due to their affordability and effectiveness in gathering intelligence and conducting reconnaissance in conflict zones. In fact, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense recently purchased a large batch of drones from China for similar purposes.
It’s worth noting that the United States has banned its security forces from using DJI equipment due to information security and cybersecurity concerns. However, the IDF press office stated that the drones being purchased are selected based on the tasks they need to perform and undergo necessary checks and modifications.
Despite some concerns about information security and cybersecurity, cheap and affordable Chinese-made drones continue to play a crucial role in military conflicts around the world. As technology advances, it’s likely that we will see more countries investing in these types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various purposes, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, and even targeted attacks.