The drone array that broke through in the war in Iran: 'Until 'With a Lion' there was no capability'

Colonel K., the first woman to command the IDF Air Force's drone array, summarizes 30 years of service and describes the breakthrough in the war: armed drones left Palmachim for Iran in Operation 'With a Lion' and led the way for fighter jets. The array underwent a dramatic change since 10/7, with expanded operational range, increased armament, and upgraded collection capabilities.

Colonel K., the first woman to command the IDF Air Force's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) array, retired after 30 years of service and summarizes the dramatic change the array has undergone since October 7, 2023. In an interview with the podcast 'Behind the Uniform,' she recounts the breakthrough last June, when armed drones left Palmachim Airbase for Iran in Operation 'With a Lion' and led the way for fighter jets. 'Until 'With a Lion' we didn't have this capability. We built it within a few months,' she said. According to her, the drones continued to strike in Iran as part of Operation 'Roar of the Lion,' targeting missile launchers intended for launch at Israel. The array significantly expanded its operational range, increased its payload capacity, and upgraded its collection capabilities from a limited area to holding dozens of kilometers of territory. Another major change was the creation of direct contact between drone operators in the trailer and maneuvering ground forces, enabling fast and precise strikes. Colonel K. notes that cooperation between IDF branches, defense industries, and the UAV directorate enabled the leap forward. Last month, a new squadron was opened at Hatzor Airbase to absorb the Mark 2 model of the 'Shoval,' and in 2028 the Air Force is expected to receive Elbit's Hermes 650.