The Heron-1 The Unmanned System Leading the Israeli Air Force in the North

TheHERON-1 UAV, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries, is operating around the clock in southern Lebanon as part of the Israeli Air Force's efforts in the northern theater. It is one of the most heavily utilized and essential unmanned systems in the region's military operations, particularly within the 200th Squadron – the Israeli Air Force's first UAV squadron.

The missions of the 200th Squadron include intelligence gathering, creating an aerial situational picture, supporting ground forces, neutralizing threats, and conducting targeted strikes. Major D., a UAV operator in the 200th Squadron, describes the Heron as a strategic asset capable of flying at high altitudes, unaffected by weather conditions. “It flies so high that it’s hard to see and operates in complete silence,” Major D. explains. Another advantage of the Heron is its dual payload bays, which store special electronic equipment used for intelligence gathering.

Lieutenant Y., another UAV operator, adds that operating a platform like the Heron is particularly crucial in Lebanon due to the mountainous terrain. “At high altitudes, we can see better, allowing us to carry out missions more efficiently,” he explains.

The Heron Squadron performs its missions in close coordination with ground forces, including units that visit the squadron’s base for training on collaboration during maneuvers. For example, a squadron officer recounts a joint exercise with the 98th Division’s soldiers, who entered a maneuver in southern Lebanon, relying on the extensive information gathered by the UAV. Additionally, the Heron provides escort and protection for ground forces as they advance.

Lieutenant Y. describes the Heron’s importance in neutralizing specific threats: “We identify and destroy threats such as rockets, weapons depots, and terrorist operatives. For instance, the UAV identified a suspicious motorcyclist, tracked him from above, and confirmed him as a Hezbollah operative when he arrived at a weapons depot. He was identified from the air and neutralized.”

Through the Heron, the Israeli Air Force maintains an operational intelligence advantage and provides substantial support to ground forces, making this UAV a critical asset in the combat zone of southern Lebanon.