Defense News , Israel :- In recent times, the utilization of armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in military conflicts has witnessed a significant surge. Israeli experts foresee this trend expediting the consideration of developing a dedicated UAV carrier, a concept traditionally associated with aircraft and helicopter carriers utilized by major naval forces worldwide. While UAVs are currently deployed from navy ships on a mission-by-mission basis, the evolving landscape of UAV operations has reignited discussions about the feasibility of a dedicated UAV maritime carrier in Israel. This renewed interest stems from the lessons learned in conflicts such as the Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict.
Aircraft carriers and helicopter carriers have long proven their efficacy in numerous naval engagements across the globe. These floating air bases play a crucial role in major military conflicts occurring in regions where seas and oceans are predominant. Over the years, naval forces have witnessed an escalating demand for incorporating UAV capabilities into their fleets. Israeli UAV manufacturers have begun contemplating the idea, especially in light of evolving operational requirements.
A prominent player in this arena is Aeronautics, an Israeli drone manufacturer that proposes the deployment of its Orbiter 3 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) from navy ships. The Orbiter 3 boasts a wingspan of 4.2 meters, a maximum takeoff weight of 28 kgs, and an endurance of 7 hours, carrying a payload of 5.5 kgs. Employing a catapult for launch and utilizing a combination of parachute and airbag for recovery during ground operations, the Orbiter 3, when deployed at sea, is captured by a special net at the end of its mission.
This maritime adaptation follows in the footsteps of its smaller predecessor, the Orbiter 2, which has already been successfully integrated into operations on Israeli Navy vessels. Aeronautics reports a growing demand for UAV operations from combat ships, sometimes as a direct replacement for deck-operated helicopters. These aerial platforms primarily serve the purpose of early threat detection, a crucial function in modern conflicts where armed UAVs have become indispensable.
While current ship-based UAVs are relatively small and typically launched and recovered using catapults and nets, advancements in Israeli UAV technology are prompting a reconsideration of the idea of a dedicated carrier. Sources within the Israeli defense industry envision a specialized carrier deck capable of facilitating the takeoff of "different types" of UAVs. This concept gains momentum, particularly as 80% of the total flight hours of the Israeli Air Force are now attributed to various UAV models. The prospect of a UAV carrier stands poised as a transformative capability in the future of naval warfare.
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