“We All Share a Common Goal to Support the IDF”

Communication networks are rapidly advancing, and the military sector is no exception, employing unique types of communication tailored for defense needs. But how do we ensure everyone within the defense eco-system is on the same page? This is where professional conferences come into play.

Professor Haddad, a systems engineer from Elbit Systems’ C4I and Cyber Division, spearheaded one of the most significant recent initiatives in military communication. He successfully united military communication experts from the army, defense industries, and academia to explore various possibilities and exchange ideas.

Prof. Haddad, a faculty member at the Jerusalem College of Technology, has spent years researching cellular and radio networks. With his extensive expertise in communication systems, he joined Elbit Systems two years ago as a senior systems engineer. His dual roles in academia and the industry have given him a unique perspective.

“Entering Elbit Systems, I quickly realized that military communication is a world of its own, a robust and diverse ecosystem worthy of dedicated research,” he admits. He noticed that the military, academia, and the industry often operated in silos, speaking different languages. This observation inspired him to create a platform that could bring these diverse entities together, fostering a common language to enhance communication capabilities.

The Birth of a Vision

The vision of uniting the military communication ecosystem under one roof prompted Prof. Haddad to explore ways to integrate this goal within an existing framework. COMCAS (Conference on Microwave, Communication, Antennas, and Electronic Systems), a biennial event organized by the IEEE, emerged as the ideal platform.

Renowned for its broad participation from academia, industry, and over 1,000 annual attendees, IEEE COMCAS is a well-established event in Israel, focusing on diverse aspects of engineering, communication, and computing.

Prof. Haddad approached the COMCAS organizers with a proposal to introduce a dedicated military communication track, exclusively for participants within Israel’s military communication ecosystem – those holding Israeli citizenship and the necessary security clearance.

“The response was overwhelming,” recalls Prof. Haddad. “We received close to 20 presentation proposals from various industries, academic institutions, and even the military itself.”

This enthusiastic reception led to the careful selection of 15 presentations, representing a diverse range of topics within the military communication field. The sessions spanned an entire day, covering everything from artificial intelligence to tactical networks and mobile battlefield communication systems.

A Day of Insight

The dedicated military communication track at COMCAS 2024 turned into a comprehensive day-long event, divided into three focused sessions:

1. Artificial Intelligence in Military Communication: This session highlighted the potential of machine learning within military communication systems. Attendees were presented with innovative research from military industries, demonstrating how AI could be integrated to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
2. Tactical Networks: A standout presentation in this session came from an Elbit Systems employee, who discussed innovative methods to utilize everyday surfaces, such as tables or walls, as communication conductors. This idea showcased the potential to revolutionize the deployment of communication networks in tactical environments via meta-surfaces.
3. Mobile Networks in the Battlefield: This session delved into advanced technologies like Full Duplex and Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), which are poised to significantly boost the speed and reliability of military communication systems in the field.

Alongside these sessions, a special panel discussion was held, led by iLeader and system engineers team leader Yuval, featuring distinguished speakers, including Elbit and Rafael’s CTO and two lieutenant colonels from the IDF and MAFAT(Directorate of Defense R&D at MoD). iLeaders is an internal Elbit community of innovation ambassadors, that is aimed at encouraging innovation “from the bottom up”, identifying internal entrepreneurs, supporting them in bringing an idea to actuality, and promoting an innovational environment (with lectures, hackathons, etc.).

The panel explored the future of smart radio systems in military communication, highlighting the essential role of innovation in sustaining a technological advantage.

Exceeding Expectations

Initially, the organizers expected around 40-50 participants for this specialized track. However, as the event drew nearer, interest surged. Despite challenges from the ongoing conflict, which caused the conference to be postponed from November, the military communication track attracted an impressive 150 participants. The sessions proved so popular that an additional session was added to accommodate the increased interest.

“It was a day of intense brainstorming, bringing together all the key stakeholders in military communication,” says Prof. Haddad. “We collectively recognized the critical importance of communication in modern warfare, especially in today’s digital age.”

A Crucial Step

While many details about the future of military communication remain classified, Prof. Haddad hints at rapid evolution in this field. “We’re advancing towards next-generation communication capabilities, akin to the progress seen in civilian 4G and 5G networks,” he notes. “These developments will pave the way for a smarter, more precise digital military, with applications that can greatly enhance both offensive and defensive operations.”

“The ability to unite diverse, often competing entities under one roof was truly inspiring, especially in these challenging times,” Prof. Haddad reflects. “The ultimate goal we all share is to support our military, and this event was a crucial step in that direction.”

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