A few weeks ago the censors allowed the publication that the IDF was operating armed drones - and today (Wednesday) the IDF is presenting their activity in Operation "Dawn".
This is the first briefing of the IDF that openly deals with the activity of armed drones, when the aircraft chosen by the IDF to present is the "Zik", or in its industrial name - the Hermes 450, manufactured by the "Elbit" company.
A TMM in action, photo: IDF spokesman
Attacking a mortar launcher and thwarting operatives by a remotely manned aircraft // Photo: IDF spokesperson
"The formation is not just the plane and the bomb, but a trinity: a plane in the air, the station that operates it and the communication between them," said a senior IDF officer in a conversation with reporters.
A TMM in action, photo: IDF spokesman
According to the officer, "the value of the drone is that it does not have a pilot.
It saves lives, is accurate and can perform surgical strikes.
There is the ability to control who hits, it is available in quantities and it is cheaper than a manned plane.
Attack on a launcher by a remotely manned aircraft // Photo: IDF spokesman
"There is no IDF activity that does not involve UAVs. 80% of the Air Force's operational hours are UAV flights.
That's a lot."
A TMM in action, photo: IDF spokesman
six squadrons
The array of attacking UAVs in the IDF has been operating for more than 20 years.
Today the IDF maintains six squadrons of UAVs, five in the Air Force and one in the Artillery Corps.
Attacking GAP operatives by any remotely manned aircraft // Photo: IDF spokesman
The formation also participated in the arrest in Jenin, following which Operation "Dawn" was launched.
"The entire formation was harnessed to prepare the operation from Tuesday after the arrest in Jenin, including many reserve personnel," added the official.
"In a raid in which I participated, there were uninvolved people near the house of a wanted person, and we stopped the attack. In another case, we saw activists who carried out a hostile action and brought children close to them - and we did not harm them.
A TMM in action, photo: IDF spokesman
"The operators of the UAVs (remotely manned aircraft) are involved in all decisions - who to attack, how to attack and how not to harm those not involved."
Brigadier General Omri Dror, commander of the Palmachim base // Photo: IDF spokesperson
The "Zik" unit, photo: IDF spokesman
It's hard to hurt them
"The 'Zik' unit 5252 is operated by the Artillery Corps and sits at the Air Force base in Palmahim. The 'Zik' is an intermediate layer, flying from altitudes lower than 20,000 feet," the senior continues.
"Their size and signature protect them in the sky. It is difficult to hit them. No drones were shot down in the operation.
The drones will go to the more dangerous places. Of course, it can fall as a UAV - but it's better than a manned plane."
The "Zik" unit, photo: IDF spokesman
Lt. Col. M., Commander of Unit 52, the KtM unit in the Artillery Corps // Photo: IDF Spokesman
A TMM in action, photo: IDF spokesman
Accurate and deadly
The announcement of the IDF spokesperson reads: "More than 2,000 flight hours, more than 100 sorties and dozens of attacks - the HCM formation was a significant part of the IDF's operational activities during Operation Dawn."
The formation operated in a precise and deadly manner and exacted a heavy price from the GAP organization when it damaged its capabilities.
The activity of the helicopter formation in the operation "Dawn" // Photo: IDF spokesman
A TMM in action, photo: IDF spokesman
"Remotely manned pilot vehicles have become an influential factor in the IDF's operational activity in recent years.
At any given time they are in the air and perform intelligence gathering, observation, attack and closing fire circles missions.
Recently, the attack capabilities of the remotely manned aircraft, with which terrorist operatives and wanted persons in the Gaza Strip have been thwarted in recent years, were allowed to be published.
Were we wrong?
We will fix it!
If you found an error in the article, we would appreciate it if you shared it with us
