The Israel Defense Forces has commenced test flights with a “cutting-edge” spy plane, the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development announced on Sunday.
The ORON aircraft, developed in conjunction with Israel Aerospace Industries and the IDF, is “the world’s most advanced aircraft of its kind,” the ministry said.
During a recent ceremony, senior defense officials celebrated the successful integration of intelligence systems into the plane, which a press release said marks a “significant milestone” in the development phase.
Fitted with innovative sensors and intelligence-gathering systems, the ORON will allow the IDF to monitor multiple targets in real-time and under various weather and visibility conditions.
Once operational, the Israel Air Force’s 122nd “Nachshon” Squadron will operate the jet.
“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 Directorate of Defense Research and Development’s Missionized Aircraft Branch.
“The unique capabilities of the ORON ISR System include the ability to accurately track multiple targets across a wide area of coverage, in all weather and visibility conditions, with high precision over great distances and in real-time, enabling a decisive and timely response to all threats,” he added. JNS
Nice description of the Oron. Now, what does it do?