Dr. Danny Gold: The man leading Israel's charge for new weaponry

• Published date: 30 September 2021
• Author: ANNA AHRONHEIM
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

It's a sparse office, but on the top floor of the Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and IDF's Kirya Military Headquarters, it's where all the major decisions about the country's future weaponry and technology are made – because as the nation's enemies continue to develop their military capabilities, Israel needs to stay far ahead, predicting what types of technology will be needed in future wars.

"We work to stay two or three generations ahead of our enemies," Gold told the Magazine. "People know the problems; we need to find the ideas to solve those problems. We take the vision and make it a national mission."

cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: '36af7c51-0caf-4741-9824-2c941fc6c17b' }).render('4c4d856e0e6f4e3d808bbc1715e132f6'); });

>

MAFAT, a joint Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and IDF body, produces exceptional results in both defense research and development because of the integration and cooperation between the two.

It is responsible for developing innovative concepts for defense technology, managing the IMOD's short- and long-term projects, overseeing the research and development of defense technology, work with international partners, and training the next generation of Israel's defense technology professionals.

Gold, who has two PhDs in Electronic Engineering and Business Management, began his role in 2016 after holding several positions in the IMOD and Israel Air Force, including as head of the IMOD/IDF's Research and Development Unit, head of electronics and electronic warfare and the head of armament and avionics.

State of the art

Sitting in his office, Gold was excited about the work done by MAFAT and the hundreds of service members, civilian employees and Israeli defense and commerial companies.

MAFAT is working on two laser-based systems. One which is being done with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is in advanced stages of research and development of a ground-based high-powered laser that will be integrated with the Iron Dome. In parallel, MAFAT is also working on an airborne-based high-powered laser with Elbit.

"We set the state of the art," he said. "We are setting the new frontiers of technology innovation and creativity in the world. Sometimes the ideas come from the top, but sometimes from the bottom up. And these are always ideas that no one thought about before."

MAFAT, which works with the IDF and civilian companies and engages in extensive cooperation with many countries around the world, is critical in providing the technology that makes it possible for the IDF to outflank its enemies in all areas.

...