The new electronic warfare aircraft is a technological leap • Such aircraft are engaged in intelligence gathering, marking enemy targets with a laser, disrupting radars and more.
An Oron plane was picked up by the Air Force
Photo:
Courtesy of IAI
A new force in the sky:
The most advanced "Oron" intelligence plane of its kind in the world was received today (Sunday) at the Nabataean Air Force Base.
The aircraft is a joint development of the Administration for Research, Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure in the Ministry of Defense, the Air Force, the Intelligence Division, the Navy and the Aerospace Industry.
The aircraft was designed following lessons from wars and past operational events.
It will be equipped with an automatic information extraction layer based on advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence, and will enable the IDF arms to preserve and deepen its intelligence superiority.
Electronic warfare aircraft perform several roles.
The first of which is intelligence gathering using advanced cameras and sensors.
Another function is a "flying relay station" that connects the Air Force and IDF control posts with the forces on the ground. The third function is to mark targets with lasers and other means for attacking forces. Also, some of the more advanced e-warplanes in the world can "blind" MMs of enemy anti-aircraft batteries.
The Oron aircraft is based on the Gulfstream G550 executive aircraft platform, which is characterized by excellent flight performance and low maintenance costs.
The aircraft will be equipped with advanced radars made by IAI and advanced intelligence systems. The aircraft will enable the creation of a comprehensive intelligence picture that includes the deployment of ground forces of enemy armies and terrorist organizations, in near and far circles, routinely, in warfare and combat.
The new aircraft will be operated by the 122nd Squadron - "The Nachshon". Today the squadron operates "Shavit" and "Eagle" aircraft, which are also operated for intelligence purposes. The aircraft reception ceremony was held under the command of the Air Force Commander, Major General Amikam Nurkin. The Oron aircraft strengthens our superiority and capabilities to operate in the second and third circle, and to move between the arenas at a high pace and over time. "
The head of research and development at Mapat (the Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure Research) at the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Yaniv Rotem, said that "Mapat has been leading the development of Oron systems for over nine years. The mission plane gives to the IDF Intelligence dimension through sensing systems, a variety of sensors and radar.
"IAI is proud to provide the Ministry of Defense and the IDF with the most advanced intelligence aircraft in the world," said IAI VP and CEO Yoav Turgeman. "The aircraft will provide unparalleled operational capabilities and information gathering capabilities."
