Peres: Robotics the solution to Israel’s security needs

President visits Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’s headquarters.

By GREER FAY CASHMAN
Peres visits Rafael HQ 370 (photo credit: Rafael)
Peres visits Rafael HQ 370
(photo credit: Rafael)
President Shimon Peres came away from a visit to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’s headquarters on Monday convinced that the only way Israel can meet its current and future security challenges is with the use of robotics and nanotechnology.
As one of the architects of Israel’s multifaceted defense establishment, Peres continues to take a keen interest in national security and frequently visits IDF bases and armament plants in which new, hi-tech defense systems are being developed.
The president spoke with Rafael personnel on the subject of a “smart” army, meaning one based more on hi-tech than on foot soldiers.
He has held talks on the topic with Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz and Finance Minister Yair Lapid.
At the outset of his visit, Peres talked to Rafael’s executive about the compendium of threats confronting Israel and developments on its borders, and said that these combined challenges demanded a new, innovative kind of army based almost entirely on technology.
Rafael CEO Gen. (res) Yedidya Yaari convened a forum of the company’s top young researchers and developers in order for them to hear from Peres what his vision for the future is, and how he sees the new army.
One of the major points he raised was the extent to which robots can replace soldiers, thereby saving lives, which in turn will contribute to national concerns and economic development.
Peres emphasized that in today’s technological era, the race to be first is more important than ever, and that Israel has a technological edge on most other countries.
He inspected the projects on which the scientists have been working, including miniature missiles that can pinpoint their targets with precision.
The scientists said that they were in sync with the president and told him that they already had developed defense equipment along the lines that he suggested.
“You are dealing with security in the way that it ought to be done, and you have ensured that Israel will be ready for any emergency,” said Peres at the conclusion of his visit.