CyberDome is a joint Israeli–American military cyber exercise held annually since 2015, designed to strengthen coordination, readiness, and operational cooperation in response to growing cyber threats. The exercise brings together cyber units from the Israel Defense Forces and the United States military to simulate realistic cyberattack scenarios targeting critical systems and national infrastructure, thereby improving joint defense capabilities and maintaining regional stability.
The 10th CyberDome exercise was completed in December 2025 at a secure U.S. military facility and involved more than 120 cyber specialists from both countries. On the Israeli side, participants included the IDF’s J6 and Cyber Defense Directorate, the Intelligence Directorate, and the Cyber National Mission Force. In contrast, the U.S. side was represented by the U.S. Army’s Joint Force Headquarters Centre and U.S. Cyber Command. The exercise focused on shared operational language, joint responses to cyber incidents, and challenges that have emerged in the cyber domain over the past two years.
Senior Israeli officials have emphasized that CyberDome reflects the growing centrality of cyber defense to national security. Major General Aviad Dagan, head of the IDF’s J6 and Cyber Defense Directorate, warned that the cyber threat facing Israel and the United States is far greater than what is publicly disclosed. He stated that dozens of enemy attempts to damage or disable Israeli national systems have been thwarted over the past two years. He cautioned that such efforts are expected to increase.
Dagan underscored that cyber warfare operates alongside conventional conflict, describing it as a “covert campaign” that accompanies overt military actions. He noted that adversaries seek to exploit every vulnerability in defense systems and stressed that sustained cooperation with allies, particularly the United States, is essential to maintaining technological and operational superiority against threats from multiple directions.
Over the years, CyberDome has become a cornerstone of long-term Israeli–American military cyber cooperation, reinforcing shared defense strategies and adapting to evolving threats from state and non-state actors. The exercise reflects a broader recognition by both countries that cyber defense is inseparable from modern warfare and is a critical component of national resilience and security.
Source: Emanuel Fabian, “IDF cyber chief says dozens of cyberattacks on national infrastructure thwarted, warns attempts will increase,” Times of Israel, (December 16, 2025).
Judah Pe’er, “IDF Cyber Chief: Threat is Greater than Previously Published,” JFEED, (December 16, 2025).
“Israeli, US forces complete joint cyber training exercise,” JNS, (December 16, 2025).