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JERUSALEM: As the conflict in the Middle East enters its 14th day, Israel’s Squadron 200, known as the pioneering Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Squadron, has been instrumental in neutralizing over half of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers.
Fox News Digital was granted exclusive access to a seasoned UAV operator from Squadron 200, who shared insights into his extensive experience. “With 25 years of drone piloting under my belt, previous missions have equipped me for the challenges of this war,” remarked the leader of the Israeli Defense Forces’ squadron.
He emphasized the critical nature of his work in safeguarding Israeli civilians. “Knowing my family can sleep through the night without alarms is a testament to the air force and our drone operators,” he said. Israel employs advanced technology to alert its citizens of incoming threats, sending notifications via mobile phones and sounding public alarms to warn of Iranian missile and drone attacks.
The personnel from Squadron 200 are charged with managing flights of the Heron-1 (“Shoval”) UAV. This squadron, established in the 1970s, is at the forefront of operating cutting-edge unmanned systems for surveillance, intelligence, and precision missions across various theaters.
The commander explained that the squadron’s primary mission is to “locate and destroy rocket launchers and surface-to-air missiles that threaten our pilots. By doing so, we aim to secure air superiority and minimize risks to civilians at home.”
He added that “We can take a lot of credit for the reduction” in Iranian missiles and drones fired at 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.Â
People take shelter as Iran launched missiles and drones towards Israel following the US-Israeli attacks. (Â 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.” Â 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.Â
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.”