IDF using Axon Vision AI to combat drones

Israel’s Ministry of Defense has bought dozens of EdgeUAV systems from Israeli company Axon Vision, which use AI to detect nearby air threats, sources familiar with the matter have told “Globes.” The systems accomplish this by analyzing and classifying data collected by cameras mounted on armored fighting vehicles or stationary installations. The systems are part of the Ministry of Defense’s total order from Axon Vision, which this year totals over $2.5 million. In the current war, the importance of the technological response to protection from drones has been critical, and detection using EdgeUAV allows forces to defend themselves in time and intercept the threat before it strikes. The system is effective day and night, and therefore the IDF is considering installing it on a variety of armaments. Use of AI in general and EdgeUAV system in particular stems from the amount of data and decision-making that fighters and their commanders are required to make in a battlefield full of threats. AI processes the large amount of data for them, and automatically categorizes it.

This munition can fly for 30 minutes and then dive down to attack targets. **Outline:**
* Introduction: Briefly explain the escalating threat and the role of aerial attacks. * The Threat from Iran-backed Groups: Detailing the involvement of Hezbollah and other proxy groups. * The Shahed 136 loitering munition: A closer look at its capabilities, speed, and operational range.

This is why Israel is developing a new air defense system, the “Iron Arrow,” which is designed to counter the growing threat of UAVs. “Iron Arrow” is not just a new system, but a paradigm shift in air defense. It represents a leap in technology and capabilities, potentially surpassing the capabilities of any other air defense system in the world.

* **Data Acquisition:** AI systems collect data from various sensors, including radar, cameras, and lidar. * **Data Preprocessing:** Raw data is cleaned and prepared for analysis. This involves removing noise, outliers, and inconsistencies.

The company’s mission is to revolutionize the way we interact with the world through the power of artificial intelligence. Axon Vision’s core technology is a deep learning algorithm that can analyze and understand images and videos. This algorithm is capable of identifying objects, recognizing faces, and even understanding the context of the scene.

Axon Vision is developing AI capabilities based on optics for the3 defense market and works closely with the Ministry of Defense directorate of defense research and development (DDR&D) (MAFAT), which is responsible for weapons R&D and technology infrastructure. “When we founded the company, people told us, ‘Why found a defense company? The market is slow and it will be impossible to sell.’ Part of the reason was Zionism. As time passed we understood that defense-tech was moving forward. US startups received opportunities and in Israel MAFAT was pushing.” First funds raised from Elbit The company has 30 employees and for the past 18 months, Brig. Gen. (res.) Roy Riftin, a former chief artillery officer, has served as CEO. Including the EdgeUAV system, total orders that Axon Vision has received from the Ministry of Defense this year has amounted to more than $2.5 million, equaling the total company revenue in 2022, which this year has reached $5.5 million. Roditti says that the company’s expectation is to end the year with orders totaling $10 million. In its early years, Axon attracted an initial investment from Elbit Systems, and subsequently the founders bought back their stakes. However, that buy back strengthened cooperation between the companies until today. The company is currently raising a $15 million financing round. “Since October 7, venture capital funds have been prepared to consider defense tech, and we are in talks with funds. There are not many mature companies, you can count them on one hand. Before the war, it was not like that,” Roditti points out. “The openness of the funds stems from the fact that it makes business sense to invest in the defense tech to maintain the technological leadership of the IDF. If you look three years ahead, the openness of the venture capital funds will lead to startups that will become major players. Moreover, in another five years, I believe that a new large defense industry will grow here, arising from venture capital.”