JERUSALEM: Israel’s Squadron 200, recognized as the pioneering Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) unit, has significantly contributed to the dismantling of over half of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers amidst ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, now entering their 14th day.
Fox News Digital secured an exclusive interview with a seasoned UAV operator from Squadron 200. “With 25 years of drone piloting experience, my prior missions have equipped me for this conflict,” stated the leader of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) squadron.
He elaborated on the critical nature of his mission to safeguard Israeli civilians. “Each night my family sleeps undisturbed is a testament to the air force and drone operators’ effectiveness,” he shared. Israel employs a sophisticated alert system, notifying its citizens of incoming Iranian missiles and drones through mobile alerts and public alarms.
Members of the Israeli Air Force from Squadron 200 manage the Heron-1 (“Shoval”) UAV operations. Founded in the 1970s, this “First UAV Squadron” utilizes cutting-edge unmanned technology for surveillance, intelligence, and precision missions across various regions.
The IDF drone commander explained that the squadron’s primary objective is to “locate and neutralize rocket launchers and surface-to-air missiles that pose threats to our pilots, ensuring these threats are eliminated before they can launch, thereby securing air superiority and protecting civilians at home.”
He proudly noted, “We deserve substantial credit for the decline in Iranian missiles and drones targeting Israel.”
The stakes are high for the UAV operators. Iran’s aerial warfare campaign has led to the deaths of 12 Israelis and over 2,975 people have been admitted to Israeli hospitals.
People take shelter as Iran launched missiles and drones towards Israel following the US-Israeli attacks. ( Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images)
An IDF spokesman told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that Iran has launched “many dozens of missiles with cluster bomb heads spread across Israel.” The cluster munitions are particularly lethal because they murder or severely injure with scattered bomblets that can also stay active long after their launch.
Just days ago, Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, the Israeli military spokesman, told Fox News Digital that the army has had a “near complete success” rate in stopping Iranian drones from hitting Israeli targets.
However, the drone commander warned that the “great decrease in the number of launchers does not mean we can sit and rest.”
The IDF drone commander said, “one thing we learned from October 7 is that we should eliminate risks before they become too big.”
A Heron-1 (“Shoval”) UAV, operated by Israeli Air Force Squadron 200, takes off for an intelligence and surveillance mission. Manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, the aircraft can remain airborne for extended periods, delivering day-and-night real-time intelligence. (IDF)
“The important thing is the goal of bringing peace to the Middle East,” he said with reference to when Iran and Israel had cordial relations before the 1979 Islamic Republic revolution in Iran and President Trump’s advocacy for peace in the region.
The complex running of a drone team was described as “orchestra” work, by the UAV operator, where a 3-person crew — commander, pilot and operator — seamlessly coordinate 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 gathering, 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)
The IDF said that the air force’s drones “are capable of remaining airborne for extended periods and providing real-time intelligence to forces 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 across different arenas.”
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