Back in June at the Tel Aviv University, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had spoken about how Israel will play a huge role in the AI revolution, and rightly so. There can’t be a better time to showcase that prowess than now – a war.
While international agencies have expressed shock at the intelligence failure, with former CIA director John Brennan saying that the situation, “raises questions about Israeli intelligence capabilities… and whether their intelligence sources were compromised in some way”, its technological advancements have helped lower the brunt of this well-planned attack.
Over the years, Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), the Mossad, and the Shin Bet (Shabak) have intercepted many such attacks and defused them.
Israel has prioritised knowledge-building on machine learning and algorithm-driven warfare and has invested in AI and its applications in the military because of its geopolitically volatile location. Of the many interesting tales, the usage of AI to assassinate a leading nuclear scientist in Iran to derail their capacity-bolstering stands out.
In an audacious and technologically advanced assassination plot, Israeli intelligence agency Mossad orchestrated the remote-controlled killing of one of Iran’s top nuclear scientists, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. The operation, which unfolded on November 27, 2020, near the town of Absard, east of Tehran, sheds light on a new era of covert killings, where a souped-up machine gun, controlled by artificial intelligence from over 1,000 miles away, executed the target.
Fakhrizadeh, a key figure in Iran’s military establishment, had long been on Israel’s hit list for his suspected involvement in the country’s nuclear weapons program. Israel had previously employed various methods to eliminate scientists involved in Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but Fakhrizadeh proved an elusive target.
The scientist, though relatively unknown to the world, played a pivotal role in Iran’s nuclear program. He managed to build an underground network for acquiring sensitive technology and equipment from around the world. His secrecy and meticulous planning made it challenging for international inspectors to understand the true extent of Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
However, the physicist’s commitment to living a normal life despite the persistent threats against him, his love for domestic pleasures, and his insistence on driving his car to Absard made him vulnerable.
The operation marked a significant shift in the tactics for Mossad, as the agency had traditionally favoured field operatives for such missions. However, with the help of a high-tech, computerised sharpshooter equipped with artificial intelligence and multiple-camera eyes, Mossad successfully eliminated Fakhrizadeh without a single agent physically present at the scene.
This technologically sophisticated killing machine, capable of firing 600 rounds a minute, adds a new dimension to the world of remote-targeted killings. Unlike drones, which can be shot down and draw attention in the sky, this robot is inconspicuous and can be placed almost anywhere.
The operation’s execution was intricate. Mossad transported a remote-controlled machine gun, weighing about a ton, in parts, and reassembled it in Iran. The machine gun was designed to be mounted on a Zamyad pickup truck, making it inconspicuous and mobile. To ensure accuracy, additional cameras were placed on the truck to provide a comprehensive view of the surroundings.
To ensure that the right target was engaged, a fake disabled car was strategically positioned along Fakhrizadeh’s route, equipped with another camera. This car allowed the command room to positively identify the scientist and initiate the operation.
The assassin’s role was to monitor the situation from an undisclosed location, more than 1,000 miles away, adjusting the machine gun’s sights and firing the lethal shots with the help of artificial intelligence. The delay in communication caused by the distance, coupled with the car’s movement, posed significant challenges, but the AI was programmed to compensate for these factors.
As the convoy carrying Fakhrizadeh neared the designated kill zone, the remote-controlled machine gun fired a burst of bullets, striking the physicist’s car. Fakhrizadeh and his wife were in the vehicle, and though the initial shots may not have hit him, the car swerved and came to a stop. The AI-controlled shooter adjusted the sights and fired another burst, hitting Fakhrizadeh at least once.
After the attack, the scientist’s vehicle exploded as part of the cover-up.
This unprecedented operation of Fakhrizadeh’s elimination, concealed behind the curtain of technology had left Iran shaken and further highlighted the vulnerability of high-profile targets in the face of evolving assassination techniques. It challenges traditional notions of intelligence operations and raises questions about the ethical and strategic implications of remote-controlled killing machines.
Shin Bet Using Generative AI
Not just this, Israeli security agency Shin Bet recently revealed its usage of generative AI to counteract significant threats, marking a milestone in the integration of AI into national security.
Ronen Bar, the director of Shin Bet, made this announcement during the Cyber Week conference at Tel Aviv University. This innovation includes the development of their proprietary generative AI platform, comparable to systems like ChatGPT or Bard.
One of the primary advantages of AI in Shin Bet’s operations is its ability to efficiently analyse vast amounts of surveillance data. By detecting anomalies within this data, AI has become a crucial asset in filtering through overwhelming volumes of intelligence. Director Ronen Bar emphasised that AI has also taken on a secondary role in decision-making, operating as a partner during the process.
AI Tanks & More
Though the country is caught up in an all-out war, its advancements in using AI in warfare cannot be taken lightly. Mark Dubowitz, the CEO of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, emphasised Israel’s commitment to becoming an “AI superpower” and its demonstration of this ambition in the defence sector.
The country’s defence force, IDF, over the 71 years since its establishment has also consistently pioneered cutting-edge technologies to ensure national security and maintain a qualitative edge.
While its Iron Dome — which leverages AI to identify incoming short-range rockets and missiles, ensuring they won’t hit critical assets or civilian areas is vastly discussed, there’s a lot more to the country’s tech capabilities in defence.
They are equipped with technology on every frontier, be it air, land or water. The F-16I “Sufa” represents a highly customized version of the F-16, allowing pilots to respond to threats with unmatched precision and agility.
The “Merkava IV”, Israel’s premier battle tank, combines firepower with versatility, designed for rough terrains. In September, Israel unveiled the “Barak”, a state-of-the-art main battle tank, which integrates artificial intelligence for streamlined operations.
The “Trophy” system safeguards these armoured vehicles against anti-tank missiles, significantly enhancing the survivability of armoured units in the field. While the “Tzefa Shirion”, safeguards against unknown threats, clearing paths in mined areas.
The “Namer”, also known as the “Leopard”, features the “Trophy” missile defence system, enhancing soldiers’ protection in the field. The IDF’s expertise in surveillance and reconnaissance is exemplified by drones like the “Eitan” and “Skylark I-LE”. Enhancing situational awareness, the “EyeBall” provides a 360-degree image of rooms for soldiers’ safety.
On the offensive front, the “Spike” rocket launcher offers precise targeting at considerable distances.
These innovations underscore Israel’s commitment to cutting-edge military technology, ensuring the safety and security of its citizens, even in the face of evolving threats and challenges caused by intelligence failure.
