Much has been said about how the Gaza war caught Israel’s military and professional leadership by surprise. Alongside the impressive technological and operational superiority, the IDF faced significant challenges requiring all technological units in the army to rapidly adapt and develop effective responses to new threats.
In a conversation with the outgoing commander of the Matspen (Compass) unit, Col. Eli Birenbaum, who is completing 23 years of military service during which he led major digital revolutions in the IDF’s Computer Service Directorate and served as its chief digital architect, he discusses the unit’s unique role during the war, the combat systems it developed and how reservists from computer engineering and development fields reshaped the IDF's technological development process.
"Matspen develops technological systems that enable the military to make operational decisions based on data while also providing solutions in dynamic incidents," Birenbaum explains.
"The unit's responsibilities range from developing operational applications to data engineering and artificial intelligence. This means the systems we create serve a wide array of users, from soldiers in the field to the highest command levels."
The current war presented Matspen with a new challenge — not only to provide routine system support to the army but also to deliver swift solutions to technological challenges that emerged during the fighting. "Since the beginning of the war, we’ve been deployed in the field with the soldiers, aiming to understand their needs firsthand. From there, we translate our insights into the systems we develop," he shares.
For example, Birenbaum recounts how the unit was tasked with developing an operational solution for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs and drones) within just three weeks of the war’s beginning. "The new application we developed provides commanders with real-time, comprehensive control and has already proven to be essential for soldiers in the field," he said.
‘Reservists are a force multiplier’
Matspen, part of the IDF’s Computer Service Directorate, is a software and data-driven unit that incorporated hundreds of reservists from the civilian tech sector during the war — a solution that proved critical. According to Birenbaum, the reservists significantly accelerated the unit's development pace, meeting the heightened demands driven by battlefield needs.
"It's truly a force multiplier," he explains. "The reservists who joined in brought advanced technological expertise, enabling us to respond to the needs emerging from the front lines quickly while collaborating with active-duty soldiers and career officers seamlessly." He adds that the unit managed to implement cutting-edge solutions within mere days thanks to the reservists' commitment — an unprecedented feat.
From the 'operational WhatsApp' to managing airstrikes
Matspen is responsible for several critical operational systems in the IDF, each playing a pivotal role in combat. One such system is Dror, designed to provide commanders with historical data about their combat zones.
"The system analyzes past activity in the area and alerts commanders to irregularities," Birenbaum explains. "For instance, if there's an unexplained increase in activity in a specific area, the system will flag it."
Another development by the unit is the operational chat, or the "operational WhatsApp," as it’s known in the IDF. As its name suggests, the system offers a secure communication channel for commanders and intelligence personnel, enabling encrypted conversations and the seamless sharing of operational information across both stationary computers and military mobile devices.
Birenbaum also highlights Maestro, a system that manages airstrikes. Used by the Israeli Air Force and various command units, it allows for comprehensive oversight and coordination of extensive strikes.
"Maestro provides all relevant parties with a real-time view of operations, ensuring uniform management of strikes and keeping everyone informed, which has significantly enhanced precision and real-time response," he shares.
Have the reservists altered the IDF's approach to the development processes?
"The reservists brought a wealth of civilian expertise that we’ve certainly adopted. However, it's important to note that the IDF’s developmental approach has already undergone significant changes in recent years. This shift began a few years ago and helped the military transition to in-house system development," Birenbaum explains.
"We apply agile development methodologies and create all systems ourselves, allowing us to streamline processes and respond to operational needs quickly — something that’s not always possible with external companies which have their own workflows, timelines and priorities."
According to Birenbaum, the current war not only tested the IDF’s ability to rapidly develop new tools but also its capacity to immediately adapt them to previously nonexistent operational needs. "The war underscored the importance of in-house development, the value of our work methods and the critical contribution of reservists to the technological framework."
As you reflect on 23 years of service, culminating in this war, how would you sum it up?
"I’m concluding my role and service with immense pride. When I look at the progress in digital and technological fields within the IDF, it’s impossible not to feel proud of all those who work tirelessly to maintain our technological edge over our enemies and keep us the advanced military we are. Not everything is perfect of course — there’s still much to learn and achieve — but the progress is clear."
"As for Matspen, its ability to identify new needs and swiftly provide solutions during wartime is a testament to the IDF's overall technological strength and the unit's specific contributions. It also highlights the invaluable expertise and dedication of everyone involved, including reservists. The knowledge and commitment they brought are priceless," he concluded.
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