By Arie Egozi, Autonomy Global – Ambassador for Israel
The Israeli-developed strategic UAV Heron TP has made extensive use of artificial intelligence (AI) across its mission profile. The Heron TP (Eitan), developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), integrates AI to boost autonomy, survivability and multi-mission flexibility in high-threat environments.
A key recent upgrade includes Odysight.ai’s AI-driven vision system for real-time engine health monitoring on the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67 powering the platform, delivered to Israel’s Ministry of Defense in 2025. Using AI algorithms and optical sensors, Odysight.ai enables in-flight predictive maintenance and remote visual checks that are designed to reduce unexpected failures and improve fleet availability.
Beyond maintenance, operational reports highlight AI-supported capabilities for target tracking and intelligence management during combat sorties. The Heron TP now leverages AI-enhanced autonomous flight, navigation and coordinated multi-payload management for missions up to 45,000 feet and more than 36 hours endurance, which allows for persistent surveillance and rapid strikes from a single platform.
The UAV supports surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions with EO/IR sensors, SAR radar and SATCOM, where onboard AI assists with real-time data processing, automated cueing and faster decision support for operators. By offloading much of the data triage and sensor fusion to machine learning models, crews can focus on mission outcomes rather than raw data streams.
Germany has been operating the high-end Heron TP for several years and recently announced plans to acquire additional aircraft. If finalized, the follow-on order is expected to feature an upgraded configuration that reflects lessons learned from the Heron TP’s employment in conflict, particularly around AI-enabled mission systems.
Berlin has also explored arming the Heron TP with missiles and has evaluated several Israeli weapon types, though, according to sources, that integration plan had not been implemented as of early 2026. Any future German procurement decision on a weaponized Heron TP is likely to be shaped by ongoing debates over rules of engagement, export policy and the role of AI in mission decision chains.