Photo Credit: IDF
The IDF's 'Oron' aircraft.

The Israel Defense Forces announced Sunday the debut of its new intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance jet, called the ‘Oron’.

The new aircraft, which is based on the Gulfstream G550, is equipped with “cutting edge sensors,” the IDF said in its announcement, including an advanced radar system and artificial intelligence (AI).

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“The Oron will enable the IDF to maintain our intelligence superiority in the face of emerging challenges,” the IDF said. The aircraft is to be used for real-time intelligence assessment, including the identification of enemy ground forces near and far.

The aircraft was under development for nearly 8 years. Reporters got their first look at the jet during a briefing at the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel.

‘Oron’ will begin operations in the coming days under the Israel Air Force 122 “Nahshon” Squadron.

It’s not likely, however, that the Oron will be participating in this year’s Memorial Day and Independence Day flights, which take place every year across Israel. On Monday (April 5), the Air Force begins training for those flights. The IDF said that as part of the training, aircraft traffic will be noticeable throughout the country.

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Hana Levi Julian is a Middle East news analyst with a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Southern Connecticut State University. A past columnist with The Jewish Press and senior editor at Arutz 7, Ms. Julian has written for Babble.com, Chabad.org and other media outlets, in addition to her years working in broadcast journalism.