Elbit Systems will supply the Israeli Defense Forces Artillery Corps with the upgraded version of its Skylark small tactical unmanned aerial systems, one of the two Israeli drone acquisitions reported this week.
The Skylark 1 tactical drone for IDF weighs up to 20 kg and is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, with the endurance and range of a fixed-wing STUAS, Elbit said Tuesday.
The drone provides onboard analytical capabilities, contributing to its expanded use in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions, the company added.
Under its Israeli contract, Elbit said it will also provide through-life maintenance services for all the IDF ground force’s STUAS systems.
Earlier, Israeli Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar inaugurated the fifth-generation Spark UAV manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israeli Aeronautics Group.
The 144th Squadron at Hatzor Air Force Base will operate the Spark drone for intelligence missions, escorting ground forces, direct strikes and other military missions, Israel’s I24 News reported.