Tel Aviv: The wish of the Israeli ground forces to have their own “air force” has been put on the table following the recent combat in Gaza and Lebanon. At this stage there are no plans to form such a force.
Due to the extensive deployment of tactical and operational UAVs that are directly handled by ground units, especially the artillery corps, there is a growing tendency toward a form of “army air force” even if the Israeli ground forces do not yet have their own independent air force.
This “air force” is committed to tactical strike capabilities, target collection, reconnaissance, and battlefield support. It functions independently of the Israeli Air Force (IAF). The ground forces’ stated desire for a larger organic unmanned air capability is gradually being recognised and incorporated, despite some initial opposition from the IAF.
UAVs such as the Elbit SkyLark are operated by the IDF’s Artillery Corps, and provide crucial fire support and surveillance to a variety of ground formations.
An autonomous UAV air unit with capabilities ranging from small tactical drones for individual soldiers to larger VTOL systems for pinpoint strikes is being pushed for by the ground forces command.
Air Force sources said that there is no operational reason to form an independent air force of the ground forces. “The current status serves all the operational needs,” the sources added.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
