IDF Develops Technology to Battle COVID-19

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, IDF units have worked diligently to find innovative solutions to some of the greatest challenges posed by COVID-19.

The elite IDF Intelligence Technological Unit, Unit 81, has worked with the Ministry of Health, Magen David Adom—Israel’s Emergency Medical Services—and hospitals across the nation to find innovative solutions to some of the medical challenges Israel has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unit 81 has successfully: 

• Adapted thousands of BiPAP home ventilation devices into ventilators for COVID-19 patients in Sheba hospital. 
• Manufactured up to 1,000 protective masks a day for military and civilian medical teams to counter the shortage of masks in Israel.
• Developed special shields and separate air conditioning systems in approximately 50 ambulances, to enable drivers to evacuate COVID-19 patients without endangering themselves.
• Created an information management software for the Coronavirus Testing Lab to manage COVID-19 tests efficiently.  

Other units have converted their production lines to develop tools for the battle against COVID-19. The IDF Weapons Manufacturing Unit converted some of their production lines—typically used to create tank parts and body armor—into production lines making goggles for Israeli medical staff, and spray guns that sanitize public spaces.

The IDF Marine Commando Unit, Shayetet 13, has converted their operational assembly line of pressure cylinders (used during underwater missions) to develop better methods of compressing medical oxygen. In accordance with medical standards, the unit is using compressed gas instead of liquid oxygen to increase oxygen supplies for oxygen masks. The unit is also sharing this technology with foreign militaries so that they are also able to increase their oxygen supplies as needed.

The IDF is also operating seven COVID-19 testing “drive-thrus” across the country to make testing more accessible, and safe, for civilians.

The IDF remains committed to helping the national effort against COVID-19 at this time.