Inside the Israeli drone unit fighting Iran and Hezbollah
Fox News Digital gained access to one of Israel’s most seasoned and experienced drone operators from the 200th Squadron. “I have been flying drones for the past 25 years and other operational missions have prepared me for this war,” the IDF squadron commander said.
He summed up the highly sensitive nature of his work protecting the Israeli civilian population. “Every night that my wife and kids sleep a full night without an alarm is something I can attribute to the Air Force and the drone operators.” The Israeli technology system warns Israelis with mobile phone messages and public alarms that provide advance notice of incoming items Iranian missiles and drones.
IAF personnel from 200 Squadron supervising a Heron-1 (“Shoval”) drone flight. Established in the 1970s, the 1st Drone Squadron operates advanced unmanned systems for surveillance, intelligence and precision missions across multiple theaters. (IDF)
The IDF’s drone commander said his squadron’s main goal is to “find rocket launchers and surface-to-air missiles that pose a danger to our pilots who fly over them and destroy them before they launch the missiles, achieving air superiority in the region and reducing the risks to civilians at home.”
He added that “we can take a lot of credit for reducing” Iranian missiles and drones fired at Israel.
The risks are high for drone operators. The Iranian air war campaign led to the deaths of 12 Israelis and the hospitalization of more than 2,975 people in Israeli hospitals.
People take cover as Iran launches missiles and drones towards Israel in the wake of the US-Israeli attacks. (Mustafa Al-Kharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images)
An Israeli military spokesman told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that Iran launched “dozens of missiles with cluster bomb warheads scattered throughout Israel.” Cluster munitions are particularly lethal because they kill or seriously injure small fragmented bomblets that can remain active long after they are released.
Just days ago, Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an IDF spokesman, told Fox News Digital that the army has “Close to complete success“Rate in Stop Iranian drones From attacking Israeli targets.
But the drone pilot warned: “The significant reduction in the number of launchers does not mean that we can sit back and rest.”
“The one thing we learned from October 7 is that we must eliminate the risks before they become too great,” the IDF drone commander said.
A Heron-1 (“Shoval”) drone, operated by the IAF’s 200 Squadron, takes off for an intelligence and surveillance mission. The plane, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, can remain in the air for long periods, providing intelligence day and night. (IDF)
“The important thing is the goal we achieve Peace to the Middle EastHe said, referring to the period when Iran and Israel enjoyed friendly relations before the 1979 Islamic Republic revolution in Iran and President Trump’s call for peace in the region.
The complex operation of a drone team has been described as the work of an “orchestra,” by the drone operator, where a 3-person crew – commander, pilot and operator – seamlessly coordinate their various activities.
According to the IDF, 200 Squadron operates the Heron-1 (“Shoval”) drone, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, which is used for intelligence gathering, surveillance, ground force support, and precision strike missions.
A general view of Tehran with smoke visible in the distance after explosions were reported in the city, on March 2, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. (Contributor/Getty Images)
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The Israeli military said that the Air Force’s drones “are capable of remaining in the air for long periods and providing real-time intelligence to forces on the ground, day and night and over long distances.”
The squadron was established in the 1970s as part of the development of the IAF’s UAV range and has since participated in numerous operations across different arenas.
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