Israel just put the finishing touches on what may be the planet’s most advanced ISR aircraft. Hamas’ attacks have launched it into action sooner than expected.
In late August, Israel’s Defense Ministry’s announced major progress in the preparation of the Oron intelligence-gathering aircraft. Based on Gulfstream’s G550 business jet airframe, the Oron was delivered to the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) in early 2021.
The IDF describes Oron as a joint multi-domain, multi-sensor solution incorporating “revolutionary sensors and C4I [command-control] systems” that provide “unprecedented intelligence capabilities across expansive terrain, enabling real-time monitoring of ground movements under diverse weather and visibility conditions.”
At the celebratory ceremony recognizing the completion of systems and sensor integration on the jet, the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development announced that Oron’s intelligence systems were ready for use, and that test flights were underway. Less than two months later, Oron has doubtlessly been pressed into operational use.
Based with the Israel Air Force’s (IAF) dedicated ISR mission 122nd Squadron (called “Nachshon”) at Nevatim Air Base in southern Israel, the Oron incorporates artificial intelligence to autonomously and automatically process vast amounts of radar and signals intelligence data, processing and interpreting it in seconds.
“We created a machine that knows how to produce and expose thousands of targets in seconds,” Brig. Gen. Yaniv Rotem, head of military research and development at the Directorate of Defense Research and Development, said when the Oron was delivered to Israel two years ago. “It absorbs thousands of kilometers of territory at a precision designed for attack,” he added.
Developed by Israeli firm, Elta, its MARS2 or Multi-Mission Airborne Reconnaissance and Surveillance System is intended to stream valuable real-time data to intelligence and other units.
These surely include the IAF’s 7th Wing which formed in 2020. Described as “a complementary and unique component of the Israeli Air Force, performing special depth, routine, and emergency operations,” the 7th Wing incorporates special ground units, including the commando Shaldag Unit, Unit 669, the Forward Landing Unit, a dedicated intelligence unit, and an assigned school for Special Air Force (SAF) combat troops.
These units would likely be in direct communication with the Oron (and operational command authorities) in tracking the movement of Hamas command and control assets and personnel as well as prosecuting search and rescue missions to recover civilian hostages (reportedly over 100) taken by Hamas fighters.
With capability which can allow it to operate in what the IDF characterized as “second and third-tier countries,” meaning states that are two and three borders away, the Oron is likely being used to monitor any intercept-able communications with Hamas leadership in Qatar and Iran.
The aircraft is intended to work in concert with the IAF’s older Shavit (signals intelligence) and Eitam (airborne early warning and control) aircraft. Also based on the G550, these airplanes are operated by the 122nd Squadron which flies three examples of the Shavit and two Eitams.
The combined six aircraft fleet has likely been aloft for the last 72 hours, pausing for breaks only to refuel and refresh their aircrews. The aircrew compliment of the Oron is unknown but sources estimate it carries at least six missions systems operators and two pilots. In the present situation it’s reasonable to expect the flight crew to be enlarged to allow for persistent on-station operation.
Israeli forces will certainly look to capitalize on the Oron’s reported ability to guide weapons to discreet targets, leveraging what the U.S. calls cooperative engagement capability with platforms from the F-35I to AH-64 and OH-58 helicopters, aerial drones and perhaps its recently developed medium robotic combat vehicle (MRCV) which it could deploy in the urban sprawl of Gaza.
Oron’s ability to feed such sophisticated systems and greatly enhance situational awareness for Israeli special and conventional forces means it is almost certainly fully-tasked as this article is written, carrying a heavy burden as the country responds to last weekend’s surprise attacks.
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