Israel's general security service – or Shabac – is operating unmanned air systems independently, it has emerged. This became known after the service put advertisements in the press calling for experienced UAS operators to work within its new UAS unit.
Until now, Shabac has relied on the Israeli air force to provide UAS services to support its activities.
There has been a dramatic growth in demand for unmanned surveillance over the Gaza Strip and West Bank to help foil acts of terror against Israel.
Israeli sources say that the burden on the air force's UAS squadrons, and systems operated mainly by the Israeli Defence Force's artillery corps, has prompted the general security service to seek its own UAS capability.
There are no details of the type of UAS being operated by Shabac, but Israeli companies manufacture a variety of mini air vehicles that could be used during covert operations.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
