The IDF and the Ministry of Defense issue a joint statement and announce: "The most advanced intelligence aircraft in the world is on its way to the IDF", the Oron model aircraft will begin test flights in preparation for its integration into the Air Force.
In recent days, the Directorate of Research and Development for Combat Systems and Technological Infrastructure at the Ministry of Defense and the Aerospace Industry, highlighted the completion of the integration of intelligence systems into the world's advanced aircraft, the 'Oron,' in a ceremony attended by senior officials from the security establishment and the IDF.
The plane began test flights. In addition, the Ministry of Defense and the Aerospace Industry have completed the implementation of the intelligence systems required for its integration into the Air Force.
The reconnaissance aircraft will give the IDF the ability to map in any weather
The aircraft is a joint development of the Research and Development for Combat Systems and Technological Infrastructure Directorate (MAPAT) in the Ministry of Defense and the Elta Division of the Aerospace Industry, together with the various IDF units. The 'Oron' is the first and most advanced surface hold aircraft of its kind in the world. It is equipped with innovative IT systems, which will give the IDF an unprecedented intelligence dimension and a huge area for real-time monitoring of ground movements, in any weather. It will be operated by the 122 "Nachshon" squadron of the Air Force.
Lt. Col. Yoad, head of the mission aircraft branch at the MAPAT: "The 'Oron' aircraft is a multi-armed aircraft that will give the IDF 'equal-breaking' operational capabilities in the face of the challenges we face even in very distant arenas. The aircraft's uniqueness is expressed in the ability to collect and hold a huge amount of targets in a wide area, in any weather and visibility conditions, from a long range, in real time and with great accuracy."
Lt. Col. Yoad describes the aircraft's technological capabilities: "The aircraft's systems incorporate unique technological knowledge that has been accumulated over the years among the industry and the MAPAT, something that will make it possible to deal with future threats in all of Israel's theaters of action. The 'Oron' is the product of a process of deriving operational lessons also with an expanding international perspective."
The commander of the unit that will fly the plane: This is a plane with unique capabilities
Lt. Col. A., commander of Squadron 122: "This is an aircraft with unique capabilities that expresses the strength and power of the partnership of all the IDF's branches. The 122nd Squadron of the Air Force understands the weight of the responsibility in fulfilling the purpose of the aircraft and its capabilities in order to maintain the security of the country. I am sure that the phase of the joint flights will make it possible to train our people effectively and shorten the schedules on the way to operational absorption."
Gideon Landa, manager of the airborne systems plant in the Elta division of the aerospace industry: "This is a significant and exciting moment for us as members of the defense industry and as citizens of the State of Israel."