The Israeli Air Force’s Heron UAV Squadron: the IDF’s Largest Target Provider
During the current war, Heron UAVs are in the air 24 hours a day. The aircraft can fly for more than 10 consecutive hours
Dan Arkin
| 08/11/2023
The Israeli Air Force’s Heron TP (IAI Eitan), Israel’s largest unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, can cover the scope of the entire Gaza Strip from north to south within seconds.
During the current war in Gaza, the Heron TPs, developed by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) are up in the air 24 hours a day. The aircraft itself can fly for more than 10 consecutive hours, due to the large amount of fuel it carries.
Recently, a new pod for intelligence gathering was installed on the UAV. Lieutenant Colonel T, the commander of the “White Eagle” IAF Squadron, which operates the aircraft, explains that this enabled the detection of many terrorists.
"We gathered intelligence and constructed an accurate image of the enemy, which enabled us to target infrastructure and prepare for the ground maneuver stage.
According to the IAF website, the Heron continuously provides targets to the Air Force's target bank, and the squadron – the primary producer of targets – has collected thousands of them so far.
An officer in the squadron revealed that the greatest complexity in operating the Heron TP lies in distinguishing between enemy forces and non-combatants.
In routine operations, the aircraft fly over many areas, and in wartime, they focus on the battlefield. The Heron TPs have a unique ability to cover very large areas.
During the current war, Heron UAVs are in the air 24 hours a day. The aircraft can fly for more than 10 consecutive hours
The Israeli Air Force’s Heron TP (IAI Eitan), Israel’s largest unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, can cover the scope of the entire Gaza Strip from north to south within seconds.
During the current war in Gaza, the Heron TPs, developed by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) are up in the air 24 hours a day. The aircraft itself can fly for more than 10 consecutive hours, due to the large amount of fuel it carries.
Recently, a new pod for intelligence gathering was installed on the UAV. Lieutenant Colonel T, the commander of the “White Eagle” IAF Squadron, which operates the aircraft, explains that this enabled the detection of many terrorists.
"We gathered intelligence and constructed an accurate image of the enemy, which enabled us to target infrastructure and prepare for the ground maneuver stage.
According to the IAF website, the Heron continuously provides targets to the Air Force's target bank, and the squadron – the primary producer of targets – has collected thousands of them so far.
An officer in the squadron revealed that the greatest complexity in operating the Heron TP lies in distinguishing between enemy forces and non-combatants.
In routine operations, the aircraft fly over many areas, and in wartime, they focus on the battlefield. The Heron TPs have a unique ability to cover very large areas.
