Israeli Air Force to launch new Heron drone squadron as operations surge after Oct. 7
AI Analysis
The Israeli Air Force is launching a new Heron drone squadron at Hatzor Airbase to enhance its operational capabilities following increased activity since October 7. The squadron will include approximately 20 Heron MK 2 drones, focusing on long-range surveillance and strike missions, particularly towards Iran.
Key Takeaways
- New Heron drone squadron to be operational at Hatzor Airbase by summer.
- Approximately 20 Heron MK 2 drones will be added, each costing around $10 million.
- Drones will enhance long-range surveillance and strike capabilities, including missions towards Iran.
- Drone operations have increased fivefold since October 7.
- Several drones were lost over Iran due to ground fire, not technical failures.
Why It Matters
The expansion of the Israeli Air Force's drone capabilities signifies a strategic enhancement in its ability to conduct long-range surveillance and precision strikes, particularly against Iranian targets. This development underscores the increasing reliance on unmanned systems for complex military operations, reducing risks to human pilots and enhancing operational flexibility.
Israeli Air Force to launch new Heron drone squadron as operations surge after Oct. 7
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Israeli Air Force to launch new Heron drone squadron as operations surge after Oct. 7
First aircraft due next month; unit to operate from Hatzor as drone flight hours increase fivefold, with about 20 systems planned and expanded long-range surveillance and strike capabilities, including missions toward Iran
Yuval Azulay, Calcalist|
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The Air Force is establishing a new squadron of unmanned aerial vehicles based on the Heron MK 2 system, as the military expands its drone capabilities following a sharp increase in operational activity since the Oct. 7 war.
The first aircraft is expected to be delivered next month, with the new squadron set to become operational this summer at Hatzor Airbase in southern Israel, according to a report by the Calcalist financial daily. It will operate alongside an existing squadron at the base that uses the same platform for intelligence gathering, real-time surveillance and strike missions, including at long range.
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Heron MK 2
(Photo: Reuters)
The expansion comes amid what military officials describe as a surge in drone operations during the ongoing war.
“We need a significant number of remotely piloted aircraft and we are in a process of rapid buildup in this field,” said Col. K., who heads the IDF unit overseeing unmanned aerial systems.
She said that before the war, such aircraft logged hundreds of thousands of flight hours annually, but since the fighting began, activity has increased fivefold.
The IDF declined to disclose the total value of the deal with Israel Aerospace Industries, which is expected to supply about 20 Heron MK 2 drones. Each aircraft is estimated to cost around $10 million, with additional mission-specific payloads — including surveillance systems, cameras and precision munitions — adding millions more to the price.
The drones can be equipped for intelligence collection and real-time monitoring or for targeted strikes, depending on operational needs.
The expanded drone fleet has played a central role alongside advanced fighter jets, including the F-35, in recent conflicts involving Iran. Military officials say the unmanned systems have conducted long-range missions, including identifying and destroying missile launchers and other strategic targets.
“The main advantage is the ability to operate in complex environments without risking human life,” Col. K. said, adding that the systems have demonstrated the capability to reach Iran and support broader air operations.
The Air Force acknowledged that several drones were lost in operations over Iran, including nearly 10 during a previous campaign last summer. Officials said losses were due to ground fire rather than technical failures.
In one incident, a Sho