IDF Ground Forces: Two new infantry battalions to focus on drones and precision strikes
The Israeli military is integrating the Alon and Nofech units into existing brigades to handle detection, robotics, and advanced weaponry.
By Simon Bennett ·
Israeli soldiers will soon operate under two new specialized infantry battalions focused on drone warfare and precision strikes. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Monday that these units will expand the ground forces' operational capabilities by integrating advanced technology into standard infantry roles.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir approved the creation of the units. The Ground Forces Command and the Manpower Directorate are leading the initiative. The Alon Battalion, designated as Unit 11, will join the Golani Brigade. The Nofech Battalion, designated as Unit 935, will join the Nahal Brigade. Military officials have not yet finalized the specific structural details for either unit.
The new battalions will function as detection and strike teams. Their primary missions include operating drones, managing robotics, and utilizing surveillance and imagery systems. They will also employ advanced weaponry and precision-guided munitions. This shift aims to give ground troops more autonomous firepower and intelligence gathering tools at the tactical level.
This expansion follows a separate plan announced last month to establish a new corps dedicated to countering low-altitude drone threats. Ground Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan is overseeing that effort. The new corps will initially rely on five battalions currently assigned to protect the borders with Jordan and Egypt, as well as the security barrier in the West Bank. These units will add a mission to defend against mobile aerial threats while maintaining their current land border duties.
Assessments indicate that the sixth battalion for this new corps will be the tactical air defense unit created during the war. That unit was established to respond to threats from Gaza and Lebanon. To support the new structure, the IDF will move resources from the Ground Forces to the Border Defense Corps. These transfers include training personnel tasked with developing a drone school focused on defensive missions.
The IDF already operates defensive drone capabilities. Unit 9900 of the Military Intelligence Directorate currently conducts intelligence-gathering operations using drones. Military Intelligence is expected to assist in developing the combat doctrine, operational methods, and procurement scales for the new drone and robotics technologies. The military will also use this support for training new personnel.
The Alon and Nofech battalions are part of a wider effort to modernize the ground forces. The military intends to equip these units with the latest robotic systems and surveillance tools. This allows infantry to detect and engage targets with greater precision than traditional methods.
