By Arie Egozi | Autonomy Global — Ambassador for Israel
The war that erupted on February 28 and concluded with a ceasefire on April 8 has cemented its place in military history as the second major drone war, and arguably the most technologically advanced. The conflict, fought between a U.S.-Israeli coalition and Iran, followed the UAV-intensive war in Ukraine, but operated at a significantly higher tier of unmanned aerial capability.
Elite UAV Arsenal Over Iranian Airspace
Israeli Air Force (IAF) advanced UAV platforms operated continuously throughout Iranian airspace during the six-week conflict. Alongside hundreds of fighter aircraft and bombers targeting nuclear sites and ballistic missile production facilities, armed UAVs conducted precision strikes against what Israeli sources described as “selected targets.” Israeli armed UAVs focused on missile launchers, air defense systems, and supporting infrastructure, with persistent drone fleets providing real-time surveillance and target identification over Tehran and western Iran.
IAI Heron TP and Elbit Hermes-900 Lead Operations
Two Israeli-made platforms emerged as central to the campaign. The Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Heron TP, a heavy, long-endurance UAV, was spotted conducting operations over regions including Tabriz, supporting both maritime and strategic armed missions with its long-range capabilities. The Elbit Systems Hermes-900 was also extensively active in Iranian airspace, equipped with specialized payloads and weapon systems. These platforms loitered for hours over target areas, enabling continuous strike operations after IAF jets established air superiority by neutralizing Iranian surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. Both platforms updated target banks in real-time, striking facilities in Tehran and Isfahan as part of what sources described as “continuous, powerful strikes.”
Classified UAV Employed for ‘Special Missions’
Sources indicate that Israel also deployed at least one highly classified UAV system specifically designed for what has been termed “Special Missions,” a capability reflecting what Israel refers to as “its position as a global leader in UAV development and the IAF’s evolving operational requirements.”
U.S. RQ-180 Stealth Drone Alleged in Theater
The United States also employed UAV assets across multiple missions throughout the conflict. Middle Eastern sources claim the U.S. deployed its classified Northrop Grumman RQ-180 stealth drone as part of its broader operational posture against Iran. The RQ-180 is a high-altitude, low-observable platform designed to penetrate contested airspace for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and is reported to incorporate AESA radar and potential electronic attack capabilities. No official U.S. confirmation of RQ-180 deployment in this conflict has been issued, and the platform’s operational specifications remain classified.