Israel’s drone force goes deep into Iran after years in the shadows

“Until Operation Rising Lion, we were unable to do this fully. This capability really broke through that very day, when aircraft took off from Palmachim Airbase for the third circle,” Col. K., the outgoing head of the Israeli Air Force’s remotely piloted aircraft branch, said of the first time remotely piloted aircraft took part in strikes in Iran. “It’s an incredible source of pride to see the aircraft at the forefront heading toward Iran.” It is difficult to overstate the importance of remotely piloted aircraft during nearly three years of war. From intelligence gathering to strikes and targeted killings, the force has become an integral part of the Israel Defense Forces’ operations on every front. In the past week alone, the force carried out about 30 strikes in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Lebanon.