A senior executive at Elbit Systems presented the company’s development concept regarding the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into aerial platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, and loitering munitions. Speaking at UVID, Ziv Avni, Vice President and Head of Loitering Munitions & Tactical UAS at Elbit Systems, addressed the gap between the theoretical and academic focus on artificial intelligence and its practical implementation in the operational theater and on existing platforms.
According to Avni, while the field of artificial intelligence receives extensive attention in theoretical and academic contexts, the emphasis in system development focuses on creating operational platforms that integrate advanced optimization functions. In this context, Avni noted that at the end of 2024, the company reached significant milestones in developing unmanned aerial platforms, focusing on payload capacities of up to approximately 500 kilograms, with the aim of formulating a clear concept regarding platform roles and required capabilities.
Addressing the operational aspect and the evolution of aerial missions, Avni explained that the classic approach was previously based on launching an aircraft equipped with basic imaging and video equipment. In contrast, the current concept moves away from this model, focusing instead on the judicious use of sensors and advanced imaging systems for detection and generating operational outputs. Today, there is no need to overload the platform with redundant components or alter the aircraft’s characteristics, as the focus has shifted to mission effectiveness and the output generated from each sortie.
Avni also pointed out that one of the main challenges in managing multi-sensor missions is the limitation of manpower and time. He noted that it is impossible to assign a dedicated human operator to each domain and each sensor separately during a mission; therefore, a system is required that can manage and integrate all missions and sensors simultaneously. This integration maximizes the operational value of every sortie and encapsulates the operational aspect of deploying the company’s advanced platforms.
In conclusion, Avni emphasized that the combination of a tailored platform, system optimization, and unified sensor and AI management is designed to meet evolving operational challenges while improving efficiency and reducing the workload on human operators in the field.