About The Directorate
The Directorate of Defense, Research and Development (DDR&D or its Hebrew acronym: Mafat) at the Israeli Ministry of Defense is one of the most advanced and innovative defense technology bodies in the world. The DDR&D's mission is the preservation of the technological superiority and qualitative military edge of the State of Israel. The organization leads the development and direction of weapons and technological infrastructures from basic reseach to Full Scale Development (FSD), elite academic officer programs within the defense establishment, steering international agreements, and the implementation of security innovations in the defense branches. The DDR&D coordinates the cooperation between the security bodies in Israel, including the IDF, the Ministry of Defense, the various defense industries (Rafael, IAI, Elbit Systems, etc.), academic institutions, and works to incorporate the acceleration of startups in the Israel Ministry of Defense. The DDR&D is also charged with managing agreements and contracts related to research, development, and equipment of foreign countries, within the context of international agreements. The head of the DDR&D serves as both a member of the General Staff of the IDF and as a member of the Ministry of Defense Management Staff. In 2016, Brigadier General (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold was appointed to the position of head of the DDR&D.
