Israel’s critical drone tech challenges requires educational response
He explains that the drone industry underwent a dramatic transformation between 2012 and 2015. What had been, until then, an exclusively military and defense domain dominated by US and Israeli forces became democratized through the civilian market, particularly with the rise of Chinese manufacturer DJI. “It was completely a military-defense issue until 2010,” Unger says. The civilian revolution began when DJI adopted an Apple-like approach to development, while American competitor 3DR pursued an Android-style open architecture. By 2012-2013, DJI’s multi-rotor quadcopter Phantom models had emerged, and by 2015, the company dominated 99% of the market.
The technology became truly accessible as commercial off-the-shelf systems proliferated. “You could do almost everything with it,” Unger explains, describing how the matrix system allowed users to add various payloads to their drones.
Recognition of the threat
Israel’s State Comptroller issued a landmark 2017 report identifying drone threats for the first time, addressing privacy, safety, and security concerns. The report came as international incidents had already demonstrated drone vulnerabilities, such as a drone landing on the White House lawn even before 2015, an incident involving German Chancellor Merkel, ISIS’s tactical use of drones, and drug smuggling into prisons.
At that time, drones could carry payloads of approximately five kilograms. Today’s capabilities have expanded dramatically. “You can fly other systems that can fly automatically at the click of a button,” Unger explained, noting advances in LTE, 5G technology, and energy systems that have exponentially increased flight duration and payload capacity.
A widening technology gap
According to Unger, a dangerous disparity has emerged between drone capabilities and the systems designed to counter them. “There is a technology gap between the capabilities of the UAVs and the capabilities to handle them,” he warned. “UAV capabilities are much more advanced than the systems meant to deal with them. all over the world. And it’s not just a defense issue; it’s a safety issue.”
The challenges extend beyond hostile actors. Drone intrusions over airports, for instance, often stem from operators who simply don’t understand the law or the consequences of their actions. “The problems are not just from bad people, [they are] also caused by people who don’t know the law and don’t understand what they are doing,” Unger recognizes.
Education as the solution
Unger’s proposed solution is comprehensive national education. “To deal with drone issues surrounding privacy and safety is education. Start teaching in school like driving is taught. But driving in the air,” he says. He envisions a program that teaches aviation laws and culture to the broader population, particularly focusing on youth who could later apply these skills in the IDF and civilian careers.
Unger insists that “Israel must look at UAVs as a national issue in order for them to be relevant for youth heading into the IDF and then into their careers. This is the real way to deal with the challenge posed by the harm done by UAVs and drones.” The initiative would align with STEM education priorities and leverage Israel’s existing technological leadership. Highlighting Israel’s position, he warns, “We are a world leader in drone technology, and we now have to level up education.”
Taking action
Unger stressed that Israel must join the growing global movement to address drone literacy. “We should deal with this with education, as a national approach,” Unger urges. “Drones bring the aviation culture to society, to the population at large.” As Israel continues to face evolving drone threats from multiple adversaries while simultaneously pioneering civilian drone applications, Unger’s call for systematic education may prove essential to maintaining both security and innovation in the skies above.
Anna Ahronheim