"Swords of Iron Was the First Digital War"

For decades, military strategists envisioned the digital battlefield – where real-time data, intelligence, and precision strikes would seamlessly converge through networked command systems. But turning vision into reality proved far more complex. The transition to fully digital warfare has been gradual and uneven, with many nations struggling to implement the technology at scale.

For Haim Delmar, General Manager of Elbit Systems C4I & Cyber Division, this evolution has been the defining journey of his career. "After years of intensive development, we can now say with certainty – the Swords of Iron war was the first digital war," he says. "For the first time, the battlefield was connected, from frontline soldiers to top command. The system proved itself."

Having worked at Elbit Systems in various roles since the 1990s, Delmar sees this war as the culmination of decades of effort. What started as a vision – bringing digital command and control to land warfare – has now become an operational necessity.
 

From a Dream to Reality

Delmar first joined Elbit Systems in 1993 as a computer engineering student. Over the years, he gained experience at startups and major tech companies before returning to Elbit Systems in 2004. "I came back to join a vision – C4I for land forces. Back then, it was an idea, not an operational reality," he recalls. By 2009, he was leading the global expansion of Elbit Systems’ TORCH-X™ system, introducing it to clients worldwide.

Looking back, was returning the right choice?

Absolutely, "back then, we were still proving the value of networked warfare. There were skeptics, and challenges were everywhere. But today? No one questions it anymore. The results speak for themselves."

For the past six years, Delmar has led Elbit Systems’ C4I & Cyber Division through rapid technological evolution. Yet, no challenge compared to the realities of the Swords of Ironwar.

Adapting at the Speed of War

From the moment the war erupted, Elbit Systems’ C4I & Cyber Division shifted into emergency mode. "For months, we operated 24/7 – on the ground, in the field, and in our offices. There was no pause, no downtime," Delmar recalls.
Every system the division had developed was put to the ultimate test.

 "Intelligence, cyber capabilities, autonomous drones, network-centric warfare, communications – everything was used at full capacity. This war wasn’t just about deploying technology; it was about proving it could function under relentless pressure."

Beyond the battlefield, the war took a personal toll on Elbit Systems’ workforce. "We had many of our people called to reserve duty, 250 forced to leave their homes, and tragically, three who lost their lives in combat. Many others had family members wounded or killed," Delmar shares. "Yet, through it all, the division never stopped – it kept operating at full capacity."

How does a company sustain operations under such extreme conditions?

"It took absolute adaptability. Within a weekend, we relocated entire production facilities, set up workspaces in hotels, and shifted teams across cities. No matter the circumstances, we worked hard to ensure that our commitments – to the IDF and our international clients – were met."

For many employees, the war redefined daily life. "Some woke up in hotel rooms at 5 AM, worked all day, and returned to temporary housing at night. And this wasn’t for a week – it lasted for months," Delmar recalls. "Their dedication was beyond extraordinary."

What War Taught Us About Technology

Keeping systems operational was the top priority, but the war also triggered a fundamental shift. "We had to move faster. In the past, developing new capabilities took months – sometimes years. Now, we deliver in weeks. The battlefield doesn’t wait."

More than just speed, the war brought clarity.

"We now have a far sharper understanding of what works and what doesn’t. Some pre-war concepts that once seemed promising proved irrelevant, while others we had overlooked became mission-critical."

Can you name one key lesson?

"AI. In my opinion, Generative AI is bigger than the internet revolution. Its impact on combat decision-making is only starting to unfold. In this war, we saw its potential – processing intelligence at an unprecedented speed. And this is just the beginning."

Another key transformation was the role of cloud-based warfare.

"We had already begun integrating cloud technology before the war, but its real-world impact exceeded expectations," Delmar explains. "The ability to process battlefield data in real time and push critical intelligence back to operators proved to be a game-changer."

And what about autonomy?

"It’s a mixed picture," Delmar acknowledges. "Autonomous systems – especially drones – played an important role, but expectations didn’t always align with reality. The battlefield revealed where these solutions excel and where further refinement is needed."

Digital Warfare is Now the Baseline

As global conflicts evolve, so does the demand for advanced military technology. "Clients worldwide were closely watching this war," Delmar says. "They wanted to see if we could maintain operations under fire. The fact that we delivered – sometimes literally from bomb shelters – reinforced their trust in our solutions."

Delmar sees Israel’s experience as a turning point for military strategy worldwide. "Modern warfare has shifted. There’s no reverting to past methods – digital warfare is now the baseline, and we are leading the way."

Looking ahead, Delmar balances reflection with optimism. "This past year has tested us in every way – technologically, operationally, and personally. But it has also made us stronger.” This war reshaped what’s possible in military technology. The lessons we’ve learned will help shape the future – one where speed, intelligence, and resilience determine the battlefield."