IDF will run entirely on generative AI within a few years - Israeli cyber chief

"I estimate that within a few years, every area of warfare will be based on generative AI information," Maj.-Gen. Eran Niv said.

 The IDF’s Digital Transformation Division (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)
The IDF’s Digital Transformation Division
(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)

IDF Information Technology and Cyber Commander Maj.-Gen. Eran Niv on Wednesday said that he expects that the entire military will run on generative artificial intelligence (AI) within a few years.

Speaking at the Tel Aviv University Cyber Week Conference, Niv said, “Artificial intelligence is a phenomenon which is trending and expanding, with a focus on generative AI. This is a revolution which is increasing our capabilities, but in parallel increasing our reliance on digital infrastructure in every area.”

“I estimate that within a few years, every area of warfare will be based on generative AI information. Without a strong and effective digital basis, no one will be able to prosecute a war in any area,” said the IDF cyber chief.

Niv stated, “Without a strong digital basis, we will not be able to manage large operations.”

IDF cyber chief talks vision of 'digital front for the battlefield'

Eran Niv speaks at an evening in commemoration of Lieutenant Colonel Moshe Mualem (credit:  GERSHON ELINSON/FLASH90)
Eran Niv speaks at an evening in commemoration of Lieutenant Colonel Moshe Mualem (credit: GERSHON ELINSON/FLASH90)

Next, he said, “In the modern battlefield, all of the tools, from drones to tanks to sea vessels, and others, can transfer information to all of the other platforms and all of them will be interconnected. This is the vision of establishing a digital front for the battlefield.”

Continuing, he stated, “The digital arena will transform all of the other areas of war into being stronger – in the air, in the sea, and on the land.”