Defense Technology Research: Israel's Advanced Weapons Development

President's visit (Photography: Dotan Guetta, Sound Recording: Gideon Arnold.)

President Isaac Herzog visited Israel's Directorate of Defense Research and Development (known by its Hebrew acronym MAFAT) on Tuesday for a comprehensive tour focused on lessons learned from the ongoing war and efforts to strengthen Israel's technological independence.

During the visit to the Defense Ministry facility, Herzog received detailed briefings from MAFAT director Dr. Danny Gold and other senior defense officials. The presentations covered insights gathered from months of combat across multiple fronts, as well as strategic initiatives to expand international cooperation in defense technology.

The president was introduced to innovative technologies spanning several fields: advanced intelligence systems, directed energy weapons, robotics, and neurotechnology. Among the most notable developments presented was a neurofeedback system designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, currently being evaluated by the defense establishment as a tool for strengthening mental resilience among combat soldiers.

The neurofeedback system works by improving sensory and emotional regulation, offering an advanced therapeutic approach that could potentially assist thousands of soldiers coping with the psychological aftermath of combat. The presentation of this technology reflects growing recognition within Israel's defense establishment of the importance of addressing fighters' mental health alongside operational technological development.

Following the tour, President Herzog praised the facility's work. "MAFAT, whose reputation precedes it around the world, is the senior national unit engaged in developing combat systems of all types," he said. "Thanks to these developments, Israel is a powerhouse of revolutionary development and technologies that maintain our security superiority."

The president thanked Dr. Gold and his team: "I am very impressed by the developments and technologies we saw here. You walk in and meet the finest brilliant minds and dedicated people who work day and night so that we can be more secure. The developments here are an enormous asset to Israel but also to all of humanity."

The visit took place against the backdrop of massive Defense Ministry investment in advanced defense technologies. Over the past two months, approximately 1.5 billion shekels have been allocated for acquiring new defensive systems. Separately, Israel's Arrow missile defense system recently underwent a dramatic upgrade incorporating artificial intelligence, aimed at ensuring Israel's air defense superiority against evolving threats.