In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have deployed drones to lead the attack on Gaza's intricate tunnel network, according to a report by Forbes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to eliminate Hamas, and IDF ground forces have entered Gaza to seek and neutralize militants hiding in the underground labyrinth.

The tunnels beneath Gaza pose a significant challenge for drone operations. The confined environment is filled with obstacles, risking damage to rotor blades and disabling the drones upon contact. Additionally, drones typically rely on GPS or other satellite navigation systems, which are ineffective underground. Furthermore, radio waves cannot penetrate dirt, leading to communication loss once the drones are out of sight.

To overcome these obstacles, drone developers have employed state-of-the-art technology. Anti-collision sensors and protective rotor blade cages are used to mitigate damage caused by the confined environment. Moreover, Simultaneous Location and Mapping (SLAM), a form of smart software, helps drones navigate and create 3D models of their surroundings without the need for external references like GPS.

Commercial drone company Exyn AI has used SLAM-enabled drones to autonomously map hazardous underground spaces, such as old mine workings. By pressing a single button, their drones can explore and map these spaces without risking human lives. This technology has also been adapted for subterranean warfare, allowing for safe exploration and surveillance.

Another leading technology startup in the defense sector, Shield AI, is known for its artificial intelligence systems used in piloting F-16 jets. However, their smaller uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been making waves in the field. Nova, Shield AI's flagship drone, has been in service with US Special Forces since 2018. Equipped with AI capabilities, Nova 2 can intelligently map and search multi-story indoor buildings and underground complexes without the need for a human operator. It can also recognize objects, including humans.

The Nova 2 drone utilizes cutting-edge path planning and computer vision algorithms to autonomously navigate complex subterranean and multi-story environments without GPS or communication support. As it clears an area, the drone detects and maps the presence of individuals, providing soldiers with vital information about who occupies a specific building or tunnel.

Israel, too, has developed similar capabilities in underground warfare. Elbit Systems, a prominent defense technology company, has created the Legion-X system. This system facilitates data sharing among multiple robots, allowing for collective behavior and intelligent movement. Lanius drones, designed for indoor and underground operations, work in tandem with a large drone acting as a mothership. Equipped with sensors, Lanius drones can explore confined spaces, and if necessary, carry explosive charges for highly effective engagement with targets.

While the use of drones in underground combat offers potential advantages, challenges still remain. Communication and navigation systems will need to operate effectively in the underground environment. Additionally, some tunnels reportedly have reinforced blast doors that may pose difficulties for drones and robots.

Nevertheless, the deployment of drones in subterranean warfare provides a less risky alternative to sending human soldiers deep into dangerous tunnels. This technology may expedite the process of searching and clearing Hamas tunnels, ultimately minimizing risks to human lives.

As the conflict continues, the effectiveness of these drone systems will be tested in real military operations. The IDF's strategic use of drones ensures that unmanned machines precede troops in reconnaissance and engagement, potentially reshaping the dynamics of underground combat.