Israel emerges as an advanced testing ground for next-generation military technologies. In an ecosystem where the connections between academic research, elite technological units, and venture capital are structural, innovation cycles are short and production is rapid.
The Israeli singularity lies not only in the density of its engineers or the proximity between startups and armed forces. It resides in a systemic approach: quickly integrating civilian technologies (artificial intelligence, computer vision, edge computing, cybersecurity, robotics) within operational military architectures. While traditional industrialists prefer closed platforms and long cycles, a new generation of actors focuses on modular, interoperable, and software-oriented components.
In this context, drone threats, electronic warfare, securing autonomous systems, and multi-sensor coordination are reshaping the priorities of Western armies. Superiority now depends not only on firepower but also on algorithmic precision, communication resilience, and the ability to orchestrate hybrid fleets in real-time.
The startups listed below, from AI-assisted shooting to multi-drone orchestration, radiofrequency neutralization, and protection against GNSS spoofing, exemplify this evolution.
Smart Shooter: AI-assisted shooting against drone threats
Founded in 2011 by Michal Mor and Avshalom Ehrlich, veterans of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Smart Shooter designs electro-optical firing control systems for light weapons, based on a proprietary technology called SMASH. This technology combines AI and computer vision to assist the shooter in targeting and engaging both stationary and moving ground or aerial threats.
The Smart Shooter range includes models like SMASH 2000, SMASH 3000, and the integrable turret SMASH Hopper, used in operations against attack drones during the “Swords of Iron” war. In the first nine months of 2025, Smart Shooter generated $20.8 million in revenue. By early February, their order book reached $35.2 million.
Kela Technologies: Modular orchestration platform for open military architectures
Established in 2024 in Tel Aviv, Kela Technologies develops an open software platform to accelerate the integration of commercial technologies (drones, sensors, communication systems, AI tools) into existing military architectures. With over $100 million raised from investors like Sequoia Capital, Lux Capital, and In-Q-Tel, Kela’s platform serves as an orchestration layer to quickly link civilian tech components to command and control infrastructures.
Kela signed an exclusive agreement with Starling Inc. to deploy the autonomous drone Pathfinder X in Israel, an eVTOL fixed-wing system operable within a compact area, boasting a 160-kilometer range and a 2.5-hour autonomy.
D-Fend Solutions: Non-kinetic radiofrequency neutralization of drones
Founded in 2017 in Ra’anana, D-Fend Solutions pioneers a non-kinetic approach to counter drone threats by manipulating RF communication links, redirecting unauthorized drones to safe landing zones without disrupting surrounding networks. Its EnforceAir platform detects and controls rogue drones using radio frequency manipulation, positioning itself as a cyber-focused solution.
Stay tuned for the remaining startups featured in the article.
