JERUSALEM: Israel’s Squadron 200, also known as the first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Squadron, has played a crucial role in destroying more than half of the Iranian regime’s ballistic missile launchers as the 14th day of the war unfolds in the Middle East.
He summarized the highly sensitive nature of his work in protecting Israel’s civilian population. “Every night that my wife and my children sleep a whole night without an alarm is something I commend the Air Force and drone operators.” Israel’s technology system alerts Israelis with cell phone messages and wailing public alarms that provide early warning of incoming Iranian missiles and drones.
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Israeli Air Force personnel from Squadron 200 monitor a Heron-1 (“Shoval”) UAV flight. Established in the 1970s, the “First UAV Squadron” operates advanced unmanned systems for surveillance, intelligence and precision missions in multiple arenas. (IDF)
The IDF drone commander said his squadron’s main goal is to “find rocket launchers and surface-to-air missiles that pose a risk to our pilots flying overhead and destroy them before launching missiles and gain air superiority for the area and reduce the risk to civilians at home.”
He added that “we can take a lot of credit for the reduction” in the number of Iranian missiles and drones fired at Israel.
The stakes are high for the UAV operators. Iran’s air war campaign has resulted in the deaths of 12 Israelis and more than 2,975 people admitted to Israeli hospitals.
People take shelter as Iran launches missiles and drones into Israel following US-Israeli attacks. (Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images)
However, the drone commander warned that the “major reduction in the number of launchers does not mean we can sit down and rest.”
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The IDF drone commander said: “One thing we learned from October 7 is that we must eliminate risks before they become too great.”
A Heron-1 (“Shoval”) UAV, operated by the Israeli Air Force Squadron 200, takes off on an intelligence and surveillance mission. The aircraft, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, can remain airborne for extended periods and provides real-time information around the clock. (IDF)
“The most important thing is the goal of bringing peace to the Middle East,” he said, referring to the time when Iran and Israel had cordial relations before the Islamic Republic of Iran’s 1979 revolution and President Trump’s pleas for peace in the region.
The complex management of a drone team was described by the UAV operator as ‘orchestra work’, with a three-man crew – commander, pilot and operator – seamlessly coordinating their various activities.
According to the IDF, Squadron 200 operates the Heron-1 (“Shoval”) UAV, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, which is used for intelligence collection, surveillance, support of ground forces 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 IDF said the air force’s drones are “capable of remaining in the air for extended periods and providing real-time information to troops on the ground, both day and night and over long distances.”
The squadron was established in the 1970s as part of the development of the Israeli Air Force’s UAV array and has since participated in numerous operations in various arenas.
