Seeing but unseen: intelligence drones in Israel

摘要

Israel is considered the most advanced country in the world in the development, use, and export of military and intelligence drones. Over the past decade, Israeli drone exports totaled over five billion US Dollars.78 Israeli firms develop and market an astounding array of drones, ranging from tiny man-portable drones to those the size of a medium size passenger jet. Dozens of countries, including Germany, Britain, France, India, Brazil,Turkey, Nigeria, and numerous others, use Israeli drones for military and intelligence needs. Research and development of drones and their payloads is a high priority in Israel, both to address the country's own security needs and for exports. Drones played a significant role in Israel's military operations since the early 1980s, and they continue to play a major role in counter-terrorism operations both inside Israel and across its borders.This essay examines the development of intelligence drones in Israel through key milestones in their deployment, and it also addresses operational and ethical issues associated with their expanding use.