The Air Force is establishing a UAV squadron based on 20 Heron 2 MKs from Israel Aerospace Industries, at an estimated cost of approximately 600 million shekels.
According to a report today (Tuesday) in Calcalist, the first tool is expected to arrive next month.
The new squadron is expected to begin operations this summer from the Hazor base. It will operate alongside an older squadron that also operates the same model, and is used for intelligence gathering, ongoing surveillance, and strike capability even in remote areas such as deep inside Iran.
As part of the deal, approximately twenty Heron 2 MK aircraft will enter service. Along with the aircraft themselves, various specialized systems will also be provided, including sensors, cameras, and electronic systems for real-time intelligence collection, as well as weapons-carrying capabilities for targeted attacks.
According to the report, estimates are that the cost of each such vehicle is estimated at about ten million dollars. So the value of 20 UAVs is estimated at about 600 million shekels.
According to the report, the Air Force is also promoting the integration of the Hermes 650, a larger vehicle equipped with a more powerful engine than the Zik and capable of carrying heavier payloads of armament and systems. At this stage, it is expected to operate in parallel with the Zik, not replace it.
According to the army, this is one squadron in the first phase, with the possibility of expansion later.
Unmanned aerial vehicles in the Air Force include the Heron TP, known as Eitan, the Hermes 450, known as Zik, and the Hermes 900, known as Kochav. In addition, there is also activity of Orbiter 4 UAVs, known as Nitsot, which is still in the implementation stages.
