Squadron 200's tracking UAV, manufactured by the Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI), is a strategic factor in the war in southern Lebanon, with advanced capabilities for gathering intelligence and assisting the ground forces.
These days, the large Shuval UAV (HERON-1), manufactured by the Aerospace Industry, operates around the clock in southern Lebanon as part of the Air Force's efforts in the northern arena. This is one of the most loaded and essential unmanned vehicles in the military activity in the region, and especially in the hands of Squadron 200 - the Air Force's first drone squadron.
The missions of Squadron 200 include gathering intelligence, building an aerial situational picture, escorting ground forces, removing threats and targeted countermeasures.
Reserve Major D., a UAV operator in Squadron 200, describes the Shuvel as a strategic tool capable of flying at high altitude, regardless of weather conditions. "He flies at such a high altitude that it is difficult to see him, and in complete silence," explains Major D.
Lieutenant Y', another operator of the UAV, adds that operating a platform like the Shuvel is especially essential in Lebanon, due to the mountainous terrain conditions. "From a great height you can see better, which allows us to carry out the tasks in the most efficient way," he explains.
The Shuvel squadron performs its missions in cooperation with ground forces, including combat units that arrive at the squadron's base for training on cooperation during maneuvers. For example, an officer from the squadron tells about the cooperation with the fighters of the 98th Division, who entered into a maneuver in southern Lebanon with the help of the extensive information collected by the UAV. In addition, the trail provides escort and protection for the ground forces during their advance.
Lieutenant Y describes the importance of the Shuvel in removing targeted threats: "We locate and destroy threats such as rockets, IDF warehouses and terrorist operatives. Example: The UAV identified a suspicious motorcyclist, followed him from above, and the man was revealed to be a Hezbollah operative when he arrived at the Amlah warehouse. He was framed from the air and thwarted."
Using Heron-1, the Air Force manages to maintain an operational intelligence advantage and provide significant ground support, making the UAV an important tool in the combat arena in southern Lebanon.