The committee noted that the aircraft represent “innovation, creativity, courage and technological initiative over many years, along with extraordinary cooperation between IAI and the Ministry of Defense and Israel Defense Force.”

Equipped with advanced Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems, the aircraft have become vital to operational superiority. Their performance was especially evident during the ‘Iron Swords’ war, when they maintained exceptionally high availability and accumulated extensive operational hours across a wide range of missions.

Unlike traditional special mission aircraft, which are typically based on large transport or passenger platforms, IAI has pioneered the use of business jets for these roles. This was made possible by miniaturisation of sensors, advanced algorithms, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications. These innovations allow for a full suite of intelligence systems alongside comfortable, efficient operator workstations.

During the conflict, IAI supported the IDF in the rapid deployment of the Oron aircraft into the Israel Air Force’s Nachshon Squadron. The Oron is the world’s first Wide-Area Persistent Surveillance (WAPS) aircraft in its category, serving the Air Force, Navy, and the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate. Based on the Gulfstream G550, it combines high performance, low maintenance costs, and advanced sensing and communications for real-time tracking of ground and maritime targets under all conditions.

Boaz Levy, IAI’s President and CEO, said:

“We are honored to receive the Israel Defense Prize, this time for IAI’s groundbreaking special mission aircraft. At the onset of the ‘Iron Swords’ war, our employees worked tirelessly to deploy the Oron, an aircraft that represents a significant addition to the Nachshon Squadron. These advanced aircraft are the result of decades of innovation in IAI and serve as another testament to the power-multiplier that our technologies enable as a strategic asset for defense forces.”

IAI’s portfolio in special mission aircraft comprises four main product lines, three of which have received the Israel Defense Prize:

• Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C): Based on AESA radar and IFF systems, integrated with communications, SIGINT and self-protection systems. The Eitam (CAEW), based on the G550 platform, delivers full 360-degree coverage.
• Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR): Featuring AESA Synthetic Aperture Radar, GMTI, SIGINT, and AI-powered mission management. The Oron is the flagship aircraft in this category.
• Signals Intelligence (SIGINT): Designed for monitoring the electromagnetic spectrum and geolocating emitters. The Shavit, developed by ELTA, is among the most advanced in its class.
• Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA): Equipped with AESA radar, SIGINT and EO/IR systems, delivering a full maritime picture for Search and Rescue, surveillance, and Anti-Submarine Warfare.

The Israel Defense Prize reinforces IAI’s position as a global leader in special mission aircraft, providing Israel with advanced operational capabilities and supporting its defence forces against evolving threats.