IAI Heron

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
Company type	State-owned company
Industry	Aerospace and defense
Founded	1953; 73 years ago
Headquarters	Tel Aviv, Israel
Products	Heron unmanned aerial system, Heron TP (IAI Eitan)
Parent	Israeli government

The IAI Heron (also known as Machatz-1) is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial system developed by the Malat division within Israel Aerospace Industries. It is capable of conducting MALE missions lasting up to 52 hours at altitudes as high as 10.5 km (35,000 ft). Although it has achieved continuous flights of 52 hours, the actual endurance depends on the specific payload and mission parameters. The advanced variant, Heron TP, is marketed internationally under the name IAI Eitan.

In September 2005, the Israel Defense Forces committed US$50 million to acquire Heron UAV systems, reflecting significant demand within Israel.

Design and development

The Heron UAV incorporates an internal GPS navigation device enabling autonomous operations along pre-set flight paths, manual piloting from ground control stations, or a combination of both. It supports automatic launch and recovery (ALR) in all weather conditions and can autonomously return to base and land if communication is interrupted.

Its payload capacity of up to supports various sensor packages such as infrared thermographic cameras, daylight surveillance systems, intelligence-gathering equipment (COMINT, ELINT), and multiple radar configurations. These sensors facilitate functions including target detection and artillery fire correction.

Payload information is transmitted live to ground stations via line-of-sight communication links or through satellite relay systems. Sensor control modes include fully autonomous operation, manual remote control, or hybrid approaches, providing operational versatility for reconnaissance and surveillance tasks.

Super Heron

At the February 2014 Singapore Air Show, IAI introduced the Super Heron, an enhanced version of the original Heron UAV. This model features a 200-horsepower diesel engine that improves climb performance and overall flight capabilities. It offers a line-of-sight operational radius of and extends up to when controlled via satellite, with an endurance of 45 hours at a maximum altitude of . Its cruising speed ranges between , while its maximum speed exceeds .

Operational history

During Operation Cast Lead in Gaza (2008–2009), the Heron was instrumental as UAV units were directly assigned to brigade combat teams for immediate support. This operation marked the first instance in which Israeli UAVs, attack helicopters, and fighter aircraft operated without centralized authorization from the Israeli Air Force command, thereby increasing brigade-level control over air assets. Maintaining a minimum of twelve UAVs airborne simultaneously ensured comprehensive situational awareness. Surveillance missions were conducted using both Heron and Hermes 450 UAVs alongside Apache attack helicopters. Coordination among air force units, ground forces, and the Shin Bet enabled prompt targeting of high-value objectives.

During the Gaza war, a Super Heron was reportedly downed by Palestinian Islamic Jihad forces, constituting its first loss in combat.

Internationally, operators include Singapore, India, and Turkey. France employs a variant known as Eagle or Harfang. Canada leased a Heron for deployment in Afghanistan in 2009, while Australia leased two under a multimillion-dollar agreement supporting Afghan operations. By July 2013, Herons had accumulated 15,000 flight hours over Afghanistan. Australia concluded its Heron operations in November 2014 after logging 27,000 flight hours; subsequently, the Royal Australian Air Force retired its fleet in June 2017.

Since 2021, Malta-based Herons have been utilized by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, to monitor migrant movements across the southern Mediterranean region. This deployment has generated controversy due to data sharing agreements with countries such as Libya and Tunisia, raising concerns about potential infringements on migrants' rights to seek asylum.

India

In 2002, following recommendations from the Kargil Review Committee, the Indian Armed Forces procured 12 Heron UAVs along with Searcher drones from IAI. The successful deployment of these drones during search and rescue operations after the 2004 tsunami prompted plans to order an additional 50 Heron UAVs. Although contract discussions were completed by late 2004, the signing was postponed until 2005 due to the Lok Sabha elections. The agreement was valued at $220 million, with each drone costing approximately . By 2009, the Indian Navy had integrated four Heron UAVs and eight Searcher II drones into a three-layer maritime surveillance network extending up to . The Navy also intended to procure two more Herons along with related ground and shipborne control stations at an estimated cost of .

Within the Indian Army, the initial deployment of Heron drones was carried out by the Regiment of Artillery to facilitate target acquisition in support of artillery units. Following the 2020 China-India standoff, Heron units under the Eastern Command were reassigned to the Army Aviation Corps by August 2021. This transition doubled routine surveillance missions and broadened operational use. After reorganization, Heron UAVs were incorporated into the Army Aviation Brigade based at Missamari, Assam, consisting of three squadrons with one Remotely Piloted Aircraft flight each, totaling 14 UAVs within Eastern Command.

Additional purchase

On 14 July 2020, it was reported that the Indian Air Force intended to expand its fleet by acquiring more Heron Mk1 UAVs; however, specific quantities were not disclosed.

Later, on 18 September 2025, Asian News International revealed that the Indian Armed Forces planned further acquisitions of Heron drones following their success in Operation Sindoor. The Army is anticipated to equip these UAVs with air-launched Spike NLOS anti-tank missile systems.

Project Cheetah

Project Cheetah represents an initiative by the Indian Armed Forces aimed at modernizing and arming approximately 90 existing Heron UAVs.

The Defence Acquisition Council expedited approval on 14 July 2021 for enhancements including satellite communication (SATCOM), upgraded reconnaissance sensors, and integration of weaponry such as laser-guided bombs and air-launched anti-tank missiles. The project’s budget is estimated at , with cost negotiations finalized a year earlier. The final endorsement was scheduled to be obtained from the Cabinet Committee on Security.

By September 2022, it was reported that Indian manufacturing facilities, supported by Israeli expertise, were undertaking these upgrades. Current UAV payloads consist of thermographic cameras, airborne ground surveillance tools, visible light sensors, and radar systems. The upgrade process is divided into two stages; initially focusing on SATCOM capabilities and sensor improvements to extend operational range beyond the present visual radius of 200–250 km.

Nevertheless, in 2023, India reportedly abandoned plans to arm its Heron drones due to complexities in contested airspace environments, choosing instead to continue with non-weapon system enhancements developed domestically.

Heron Mk2

In May 2021, the Indian Army initiated talks with IAI to procure four Heron TP UAVs through emergency acquisition procedures. Although initially described as leases, the agreement was subsequently confirmed as a purchase of the Heron Mk2 model. Overall, ten Heron Mk2 drones were ordered: four designated for the Army and six for the Air Force. These sophisticated UAVs are equipped with automatic taxi, takeoff, and landing (ATOL) capabilities alongside SATCOM communication systems.

The Indian Army inducted two Heron Mk2 units in November 2022, deploying them along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Leh, Ladakh. By September 2023, an additional two units were stationed in Northeast India. The Indian Air Force incorporated four Heron Mk2 drones in August 2023, establishing a squadron known as the "Wardens of the North," operating in the northern sector under the leadership of Wing Commander Pankaj Rana. In November 2023, the Air Force placed an order for two more Heron Mk2 UAVs through emergency procurement channels.

This procurement significantly enhances India's border surveillance capabilities against Pakistan and China by utilizing long-endurance UAV technology to improve situational awareness and operational preparedness.

Crashes

Up to 2024, India has experienced the loss of twelve Heron Mk1 UAVs since their introduction in 2002, attributed to human mistakes, engine malfunctions, and disconnections from Ground Control Stations (GCS).

Between 2002 and 2004, at least four UAVs were lost due to human error and technical faults; this included an incident resulting in the death of an Indian Air Force operator. Both the Indian Army and Air Force each lost two drones during this period.
On 26 November 2014, a Heron UAV belonging to the Indian Air Force crashed near Bhuj in Gujarat.
On 9 January 2015, a Heron UAV suffered an engine failure shortly after takeoff from Jaisalmer Air Force Station and crashed near Barmer, Rajasthan; fortunately, no injuries or property damage occurred.
On 18 March 2016, an Indian Navy Heron UAV experienced engine failure while conducting surveillance off Kerala’s coastline and was deliberately ditched into the sea; components including the engine were subsequently retrieved. The Navy operates approximately ten Heron drones.
On 7 December 2017, an Indian Army Heron UAV lost contact with its Ground Control Station and crashed across the LAC into Tibet. Chinese forces recovered wreckage containing sensitive Israeli-origin sensors weighing about 250 kg. This event took place following the Doklam standoff.
On 25 April 2024, a Heron operated by the Indian Air Force crashed near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan; a Court of Inquiry was launched to investigate.
On 10 April 2025, a leased Heron Mk2 from the Indian Army crashed during landing at Satwari Airport after losing control. The UAV collided with an IAF tower causing injury to a Defence Security Corps member. The incident remains under investigation.

Heron variants

Turkey fields a specialized Heron variant fitted with domestically developed electro-optical systems, including ASELSAN’s ASELFLIR-300T thermal imaging and targeting equipment. To handle the increased payload weight, Turkish Herons are equipped with more powerful engines. This FLIR system is also integrated into the TAI/AgustaWestland T129 attack helicopter and TAI Anka MALE UAV. According to IAI, this Turkish version "with its improved capabilities surpasses all other existing Heron UAVs globally." Maintenance and overhaul responsibilities are managed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ).

Operators

Exports of the IAI Heron are exclusively unarmed.

Azerbaijani Air Forces – 5 units

Brazilian Air Force – 15 units operated in partnership with the Federal Police
Brazilian Federal Police – 15 units operated jointly with the Air Force

Royal Canadian Air Force – 2 active as of 2011, previously operated 3

Ecuadorian Navy – 2 units

European Border and Coast Guard Agency – at least one unit

German Air Force – Initially leased 3 units for one year beginning in 2010, with intentions to acquire more; scheduled to be succeeded by the Eurodrone

Hellenic Air Force – Operating 2 plus 1 leased since December 2019; fully operational from June 2021
Hellenic Coast Guard

– Received a total of 68 Heron Mk1 aircraft

Indian Army – More than 30 Heron Mk1, including 14 assigned to Eastern Command; also operates 4 Heron Mk2
Indian Air Force – Quantity of Mk1 unspecified; operates 4 Mk2 with an additional 2 on order
Indian Navy – Approximately 8 Heron Mk1