Israel has received its latest hi-tech aircraft that is expected
to significantly enhance its already potent intelligence gathering capability.
Called the 'Oron', the aircraft is a customized Gulfstream G550.
The aircraft was acquired officially by Israel’s air force on Easter Sunday
when it arrived for a ceremony. It landed in Israel’s Nevatim airbase.
Gulfstream president Mark Burns stated, “Israel has been a Gulfstream
special-missions customer for many years,” He added that modified Gulfstreams “can fly
the demanding missions, governments and militaries conduct around the world.”
The surveillance platform is slated to be operational in 2023,
after the installation of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) equipment.
The aircraft's package is conceptualized by Israel’s
Directorate of Defense Research and Development
and the Israel Ministry of Defense with the Israeli Air Force, navy and intelligence services.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) was the primary contractor for the aircraft.
In this video Defense Updates analyzes why Israel's AI-enabled 'Oron' Spy aircraft
is one of the most sophisticated in the world? Let's get into the details.
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The Gulfstream G550 is a business jet aircraft produced by General Dynamics' Gulfstream Aerospace
unit in Savannah, Georgia, US.
It is powered by 2 × Rolls-Royce BR710
C4-11 turbofan engines that generate 15,385 lbf or 68.44 kN thrust each.
Gulfstream engineers made the required changes to the aircraft's exterior and flight deck,
and added surveillance platform in the dedicated special-missions modification
facilities at the company’s Savannah, Georgia headquarters.
Viewers may note that the business jet manufacturer
has been producing special-missions aircraft for more than 50 years,
with more than 200 aircraft delivered to governments and militaries in around 40 countries.
Oran has been developed over the course of nine years and includes a bevy of cutting-edge
sensors and data collection equipment. It also has an advanced radar system produced by
IAI the details of which are not disclosed. The Oron is the first aircraft of its kind
in terms of this generation of intelligence gathering.
While sensors can gather a lot of data,
it is important that these are collated and meaningful information is derived out of it.
This is where Oran is special, as it is loaded with AI.
Israel says, “These systems will
enable the IDF to generate an unprecedented depth and scope of intelligence in real-time,
in any weather or visibility conditions, during routine operations and conflict,”
The statement said that it will be equipped with an automatic learning system that is
based on an advanced algorithm and AI, and will allow the different branches of the IDF
to persevere and deepen its intelligence superiority.
The platform will provide IDF with advanced intelligence gathering abilities
in the areas of visual coverage in real-time and in any weather and visibility conditions.
The aircraft will allow creating a real-time comprehensive intelligence
image, which includes the deployment of enemy ground
forces – in closer and further circles – both in day-to-day routine and in wartime.
The commanding officer of the IAF, Maj. Gen. Aluf Amikam Norkin,
said that “this aircraft will vastly improve our effectiveness.”
Israel’s IDF said in a statement, “The aircraft, developed in light of
IDF and IMOD lessons learned from operations, will also be equipped with data processing algorithms
based on advanced data science and artificial intelligence capabilities; the aircraft will
enable the IDF to maintain its intelligence superiority in the face of emerging challenges,”
Brig. Gen. Yaniv Rotem, the head of Military Research and
Development in the Ministry of Defense, said “This mission aircraft will provide the IDF with
unprecedented, innovative ISR capabilities using groundbreaking sensing systems—the onboard radar
system and a variety of sensors. 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,”
IAI vice president and CEO of Elta, Yoav Tourgeman stated,
“IAI is proud to provide the IMOD and the IDF with the most advanced Intelligence,
Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft in the world. It will provide unprecedented
information-gathering capabilities above and beyond what has been available to date.
This unique Israeli technology will support the IDF's operational demands in various arenas,
with an emphasis on the IAF’s highly challenging missions.
IAI is the home of Israel’s Special Mission Aircraft and a world leader in this field.”
As per reports, the Nachshon 122nd Squadron will operate the new jet. The squadron also
operates the Shavit and the Eitam jets, which are also used for intelligence purposes.
Oron will likely be used by the IDF to identify targets for attack more easily and precisely.
It is to be noted that Israel faces continuous threats from different quarters
which include groups like Hamas and rival nations like Iran.
In this situation, it is paramount that the actionable intelligence reaches the IDF
and the political leadership can make decisions based on it.
Israel operates the 5th generation stealthy F-35 joint strike fighter, which it has used
extensively. Israel’s air force is among the strongest in the region and can conduct precision
strike missions provided correct threat assessment is done and accurate location data is received.
This is where 'Oron' will play a critical role and is an excellent addition for Israel.