The subdivisions of the DDR&D are assigned the development of innovative
military and defensive technology. These subdivisions include:
Military Research and Development Unit (היחידה למחקר ופיתוח - מו"פ) 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). 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. - Responsible for initiating and developing rocket and missile systems and solutions for operational needs such as: maintaining aerial superiority and defense, attacking field targets, land-based combat in enemy territory, naval superiority based on missiles, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and support systems for the various branches of the IDF. - Charged with meeting the armament needs of the IDF (particularly those of the Ground Forces), and defense establishment by developing technology such as unmanned vehicles, weapons and ammunition, non-lethal weapons, future combat vehicles, and more. Products from this department include the
Trophy, among the world's most effective active protection systems (APS), and the only operational, combat-proven APS defending tanks from artillery and mortar fire. • Small Units Department (
מחלקת רכ"ז - רכיבים זעירים) – Preserves the development, production, and delivery of technological building blocks in the field of microelectronics. This department's goal is to achieve independence in the development of larger systems, radars, communications, and applicable technologies. 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. The key areas of focus of this unit include: • Infrastructure, facilities, and simulators. •
Quantum technology. •
Nano-technology and micro-technology. • Physics, space and energy. •
Military medicine, ergonomics. •
Aerospace engineering. • Chemical and energetic materials. 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. The IMDO works in cooperation with the American Missile Defense Agency (
MDA), on joint ventures and the development of defense systems. 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 responsibilities include: • Leading, coordinating, and managing the development of UAV systems. • Serving as a center of knowledge in the global UAV market. • Making use of advanced technology to adapt to global trends. • Promoting Israeli product development. • Supporting the IDF and addressing its operational needs. • Operating in conjunction with Israel's Air Force, Navy, Ground Forces and Intelligence. 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. ==Operations==