Elite Israeli drone unit has eliminated over 700 terrorists since the Oct 7 attack

The Israeli military’s elite Sky Rider drone unit (known in Hebrew as "Rochev Shamayim”) has eliminated over 700 Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists since the war began with the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Created originally as a mainly surveillance-focused organization, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) drone unit has evolved into a lethal force that has played a central role in the Jewish state’s ongoing counterterrorism war against Iranian-backed terrorist proxies in the Middle East. 

IDF Lt. Col. A., whose name is classified for security reasons, explained the critical role of the drone unit in Israel’s military operations. 

"Rochev Shamayim fighters have identified and eliminated, or directly guided strikes that killed, more than 700 terrorists, primarily in Gaza," Lt. Col. A. said. "In a recent operation in Jabaliya, they eliminated over 10 terrorists within hours. In another case, a three-person team took out or assisted in neutralizing 60 terrorists in northern Gaza over the past month."

Lt. Col. A revealed the dramatic development of the drone unit’s offensive capabilities. 

"The unit has developed the capability to detect terrorists hiding inside buildings, even while infantry and armored forces are advancing," Col. A explained. "Our teams are deployed at the front lines, working closely with battalion and company commanders, giving them real-time intelligence and strike capability."

The Sky Rider unit’s offensive capabilities have been evident in Gaza where it has reportedly been responsible for almost 60% of the Israeli military’s strikes on terrorist targets.

These drone capabilities have enabled the Israeli Air Force to focus its military operations on targets where fighter jets are still needed. In addition to its precision strike capabilities, the IDF drone unit also offers critical aerial support to IDF ground forces operating in complex and dangerous urban warfare. 

Drone warfare often has an image of detachment from the field. However, the IDF officer stresses that the unit’s soldiers are present in the field during military operations. 

"Our teams operate in the field, not from air-conditioned control rooms with a cup of coffee.”

The IDF drone officer also revealed that the unit has expanded by 30% since the Oct. 7 attack. 

"During the war, our unit grew by 30%, and we now have five all-female teams, in addition to mixed-gender teams," Lt. Col. A. said. "While some missions require male fighters due to heavy equipment, once we secure operational control in enemy territory – whether in Gaza or Lebanon – our female teams also operate there," the officer added. 

Second Lt. S., a team commander in the drone unit, elaborated on the drone unit’s military operations against the Iranian-backed Lebanese terrorist militia Hezbollah. 

"Over the past year, we’ve gone from targeting Hezbollah operatives at the Lebanese border to operating directly in ground combat alongside infantry brigades. We now identify deeper Hezbollah positions, hidden infrastructure, and rocket launchers concealed in orchards – and strike them without requiring ground troops to reach those sites first. Personally, I’ve directed various types of firepower, with munitions hitting their targets within minutes."

Israel emerged as a pioneer in drone technology in the 1980s. Today, Israel ranks among the world’s leading drone powers and has developed close ties with allies such as the United States, European militaries and India. 

Last September, Indian and Israeli officials met to strengthen bilateral cooperation against the global drone threat emanating from countries such as Iran, Russia and North Korea.