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Joint Israeli administration From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Directorate of Defense, Research, & Development (IMOD DDR&D or DDR&D) (Hebrew: מינהל למחקר, פיתוח אמצעי לחימה ותשתית טכנולוגית), abbreviated Maf'at (מפא"ת), is a joint administrative body of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and the Israel Defense Force (IDF).[1]
The DDR&D is charged with the development of innovative concepts for defense technology, managing the Israel Ministry of Defense's short and long term projects relating to defensive technology, serving as a professional technical body for the research and development of military and defensive technology, cooperating with international partners in the field of research and development, and training the defense establishments next generation of personnel and tech professionals.[1] The DDR&D cooperates with the IMOD and the IDF, defense companies such as IMI Systems,[2] Israel Aerospace Industries,[3] Rafael Advanced Defense Systems,[4] Elbit Systems,[5] the Institute for Biological Research, the Israel Space Agency, startups,[6] academic institutions,[7] and more.
The DDR&D employs approximately 1000 men and women, 75% of whom are officers and soldiers and 25% of whom are civilians.[8] The Director of the DDR&D reports to both the Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff of Israel.[1] Brigadier General (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold is the current director of the DDR&D since 2016.[9]
The DDR&D's mission statement is to make sure it "guarantees Israel's ability to protect its civilians and maintain its qualitative military edge."[1]
The subdivisions of the DDR&D are assigned the development of innovative military and defensive technology. These subdivisions include:
The Military Research and Development Unit is charged with initiating and leading technological research and development projects for the DDR&D. The unit is tasked with two main functions. First, to initiate and conduct research, advance development projects, and promote the technology and building blocks for future systems. Secondly, they are responsible for managing the progress of these projects and bringing them to their full operational capabilities (Full Scale Development).[10]
The IDF's qualitative military edge and many of its operational capabilities are largely based on the systems developed by this unit. Cooperation with academic institutes, research institutes, high-tech companies, defense industries, and the military, enables the unit to combine congruent technologies and find solutions to close operational gaps.[10] The departments under and in cooperation with this sub-division are:
Source:[14]
The Science and Technology Unit (previously Research and Technological Infrastructure Unit/היחידה למחקר ותשתית טכנולוגית - מת"ט) is responsible for defense related technological infrastructure and applied scientific research. This unit is a crucial component in the development of the defense establishment's strategic capabilities and predominantly focuses on long term technological developments. The unit's mission is to identify, develop and promote diverse tech solutions to address Israel's current and future security needs. They are responsible for, among other things, building, upgrading and developing infrastructure and testing facilities for the defense establishment.[15] The key areas of focus of this unit include:
As part of its mission, this unit initiates interdisciplinary activities and research, stimulating the development of new initiatives and encouraging the advancement of collaborative Israeli research. The unit operates in collaboration with other units under the DDR&D and the defense establishment, while maintaining constant contact with the highest levels of the international research and development community, with the aim of investing in Israel's long term operational capabilities.[15]
The IMDO is responsible for the R&D and equipment of active defense systems such as the Iron Dome, David's Sling, Arrow-2 and Arrow-3, as well as detection and warning systems such as Sky Dew.[17][18] The IMDO works in cooperation with the American Missile Defense Agency (MDA), on joint ventures and the development of defense systems.[17] The David's Sling, Arrow series, and Sky Dew systems are such examples of joint developments between the IMDO and the MDA. Though the Iron Dome was developed by the IMDO, the equipment of the system was carried out jointly by with the MDA. The IMDO is responsible for the development, management and improvement of Israel's active defense systems including interceptors, launchers, radars, command and control systems, network connectivity and more. Today, Israel is protected by a multi-layered defense array, which includes the Arrow-2, Arrow-3, David's Sling, and Iron Dome active defense systems.[17]
Many of the IMDO's initiatives are carried out in close collaboration with the MDA and receive joint funding. The relationship between these two organizations also translates into the cooperation between Israeli and American defense industries, which serve as key contributors to the development and production processes of the defense array.[17]
The UAV Administration is responsible for managing the unmanned aircraft systems for Israeli security forces in lower, middle, and upper layer operating altitudes. These systems are primarily used for reconnaissance, infantry support, and assault missions.[19] This administration works in cooperation with the Israeli Air Force, Navy, and Ground Forces, as well as with Israeli defense industries and subcontractors. The Administration is responsible for the development and production of UAV elements, including communication systems, payloads and other mission stations. Their goal is to develop advanced, cutting edge and cost effective systems to address the IDF's operational needs. Their responsibilities include:
Among the known platforms of the DDR&D, the UAVs currently in service include the Spark, Skylark 1, Eitan (Heron TP), Shoval (Heron 1), Hermes 450, and Hermes 900.[20][19] IDF ground and naval forces also operate a system of UAVs. These systems are divided into a three tier ranking – lower (maximum altitude: 5,000 feet), intermediate (maximum altitude: 20,000 feet), and upper (maximum altitude: 40,000 feet).[19]
The Space and Satellite Administration coordinates all of Israel's aerospace defense activities and is responsible for the development, production, and launching of satellites and launchers. Technological developments are led by members of the Space Administration and carried out by Israel's defense industries.[21] The Ministry of Defense's multiyear space and satellite development program is intended to enhance Israel's strategic capabilities, propel its high-tech industries, and create jobs. The State of Israel's significant investment in the aerospace field has led to the development of strategic defensive products, primarily in the field of intelligence. At the forefront of Israel's space program is the Ofek satellite series.[21]
Maf'at employs both civilians from the Ministry of Defense and IDF personal. It is one of five other Ministry of Defense purchasing divisions:
The Administration has been headed[when?] by Brigadier General (Ret.) Danny Gold, who is one of three civilian members in the General Staff.
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