The Israeli Oron surveillance jet takes flight. (Israeli Ministry of Defense Spokesperson’s Office)
JERUSALEM — Israel’s Ministry of Defense this week announced that test flights have begun for its new Oron surveillance aircraft, what it claims is “the world’s most advanced aircraft of its kind.”
In a unique collaboration, the aircraft was developed jointly by the Ministry of Defense’s research and development arm, Israeli Aerospace Industry’s Elta subsidiary, the Israel Air Force, Intelligence Corps and the Navy. It is equipped with sensors and C4I systems that the IDF says it will provide “unprecedented intelligence capabilities across expansive terrain, enabling real-time monitoring of ground movements under diverse weather and visibility conditions.”
“Oron is a joint multi-domain, multi-sensor solution which will provide the IDF with game-changing capabilities to counter threats far and near,” said Lt. Col. Yoed, Head of the Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development Missionized Aircraft Branch. The Ministry did not provide Yoed’s last name.
The aircraft is designed to track multiple targets over “great distances” in various weather conditions he said. In 2021 when the Oron was still under development it was characterized by the air force as a “first-of-its-kind model designated for target-gathering, classification and guiding weapons in all theaters.”
Once operational, the aircraft will serve with the 122nd squadron, which is called Nachshon in Israel. The squadron was established in 1971 and has changed roles over the years from transport aircraft and aircraft used for special operations to the use of the latest ISR aircraft. Their hangers already hold modified Gulfstream G-500 Shavit and G-550 Eitam. According to the IAF, the Shavit provides intelligence to the fighter squadrons and Eitam conducts missions “of air control in deep enemy territory.” The squadron also works with a signals intelligence unit.
“The IAF’s elite 122nd Squadron fully recognizes the great responsibility of effectively utilizing this aircraft and its ability to protect the State of Israel. I am sure that the joint flights will allow the IDF to train its personnel effectively and shorten the schedule until the [Oron] aircraft is fully operational,” Lt. Col. ‘A’, the commander of the 122nd said. As with many Israeli air force personnel, his name was not provided for security reasons.
Elta General Manager Gideon Landa said the Oron project built on the success of other mission aircraft. “This is a significant and exciting moment for us as members of the defense industry and as citizens of the state of Israel,” he said.
Yoed said the aircraft’s systems “incorporate unique technological expertise that has been accumulated over the years within the industry and [DDR&D]. This accumulation of knowledge enables effective preparation for future threats in all of Israel’s operational arenas.”
The Oron, dubbed the MARS2 or Multi-Mission Airborne Reconnaissance and Surveillance System at Elta, was first disclosed in April 2021. At the time the then-head of the DDR&D, Brig. Gen. Yaniv Rotem, said “these systems will stream valuable data to the intelligence units. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology will enable an efficient and automated data processing system, which will produce actionable intelligence in real time, enhancing the effectiveness of IDF operational activities.”
