Israeli UAV Crashed in Gaza

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A malfunction in a Skylark UAV, used by IDF artillery and infantry units, crashed in Gaza.

The Skylark, manufactured by Elbit Systems, weighs about 15 pounds and carries payloads that generate images of the battalion’s surrounding area, a capability referred to as “over the hill”. The IDF uses a newer model of the Skylark which includes several enhancement, including an improved EO payload.

The IDF’s Land Arm aims to supply Skylark UAVs to every battalion, operated by special teams and aiding field operations. In the next few years the Land Arm intends to significantly expand the use of UAVs.

IHLS – Israel Homeland Security

The Skylark teams of the Sky Rider IDF unit support the various IDF forces from the air, collecting visual imagery in real time, acting as force protection and intelligence gathering units. The Sky Rider fighters carry the UAV on their backs and deploy it when necessary. The information taken by the Skylark is immediately transmitted to displays installed in command centers or carried by high-ranking officers, allowing field commanders to base their decisions on accurate and real time information.