… innovations proved critical during the Swords of Iron War
President of Israel Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram awarded the 2025 Israel Defense Prize to six outstanding projects that significantly contributed to Israel’s national security and preserved its technological and operational superiority, particularly during the Swords of Iron War. The ceremony was attended by Mossad Director David “Dadi” Barnea, Acting Israeli Security Agency (ISA) Director, and other senior officials.
The Winning Projects:
Eitan Armored Personnel Carrier (APC): An award was presented to the Ministry’s Merkava and Armored Vehicles Directorate (MANTAK) and Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD); the IDF Ground Forces’ Armament Systems Department and School for Operational Mobility; the Medical Corps within the IDF’s Technological and Logistics Directorate; and the IDF’s Nahal Brigade, for developing and producing the Eitan, an 8X8 wheeled APC specifically adapted for infantry operations and capable of operating in threat-saturated combat environments like never before.
The Eitan APC completed its combat debut during the Swords of Iron War, playing a crucial role in ground operations, enabling the rescue of hundreds of wounded soldiers, and participating in hostage extraction missions from Gaza. Developed by the IMOD, the Eitan incorporates cutting-edge breakthrough technology and represents years of collaborative development, production, and implementation efforts between the Ministry, the IDF, and Israel’s defense industries.
”Shavit,” “Eitam,” and “Oron” Mission Aircraft: An award was presented to the Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D); Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI); the Israeli Air Force (IAF); the Israeli Navy; and the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate, for developing and operating the “Shavit,” “Eitam,” and “Oron” mission aircraft. These platforms form an integrated operational system providing critical and unique national security capabilities.
Based on advanced technologies, the system delivers comprehensive command, control, and intelligence capabilities across all theaters of operation. The system’s strategic value was demonstrated throughout the Swords of Iron War, defending Israeli airspace, maintaining intelligence superiority, and extending Israel’s operational reach. This multi-year development program exemplifies the innovation, creativity, and technological excellence achieved through unprecedented collaboration between the Ministry, the IDF, and IAI.
Israeli Security Agency (ISA) Project: An award was presented to the ISA for developing a cutting-edge system created by the organization’s Technological Unit in collaboration with other intelligence community units and defense industry partners. This system delivers breakthrough technological capabilities that enable penetration of high-value targets and enemy infrastructure when operated by the ISA’s field units in coordination with the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate technological-intelligence abilities. The system proved invaluable during the Swords of Iron War, generating critical intelligence that contributed to major operational successes.
Technological Operational Project: An award was presented to the Special Operations Division within the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate; the Ministry’s DDR&D; the IAF; IAI; and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, for developing an integrated technological-operational solution to counter an operational challenge that posed a strategic threat to Israel’s security. During the war, this project delivered remarkable operational results that directly safeguarded civilian lives and denied the enemy a significant strategic achievement.
Capabilities for Hassan Nasrallah Elimination: An award was presented to the Mossad; the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate; the Ministry’s DDR&D; the IAF; Rafael Advanced Defense Systems; and Elbit Systems, for developing and deploying unique operational capabilities that culminated in the elimination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and delivered a devastating blow to the terrorist organization during the Swords of Iron War. This achievement was accomplished through breakthrough technologies, innovative thinking, and unwavering resolve.
Advanced Technological System: An award was presented to Elbit Systems; the R&D Division within the Ministry’s DDR&D; the IDF Ground Forces’ Armament Systems Department; the Technological Division within the IDF’s Technological and Logistics Directorate; the Ministry’s MANTAK; and the Nuclear Research Center, for developing a breakthrough advanced system that represents a world-class technological achievement. This development exemplifies innovation from the conception of an ambitious vision to its successful realization.
Special Recognition: A special certificate of appreciation was awarded to the Medical Corps within the IDF’s Technological and Logistics Directorate; Magen David Adom (MDA) National Blood Services; and the Special Airborne Forces Unit within the IAF, for a project utilizing whole blood to treat combat casualties.
For the first time in the world, during the Swords of Iron War, whole blood was administered to wounded soldiers, replacing traditional plasma treatments and saving numerous lives. Whole blood utilization presents significant logistical challenges in Western military medicine, primarily due to the complexities involved in transportation and field administration.
