The IDF clarified that the soldiers involved were not drone operators, and it is unclear how the three gained access to the squadron without proper authorization.
Three soldiers, including one officer in the Israel Air Force, were questioned by Israel Police on Tuesday on suspicion of sabotaging remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs).
According to military sources, there is no indication of external involvement, and the individuals are not believed to be drone operators. Military police opened an investigation against the suspects and will bring them before a military court for a detention extension hearing.
Senior officials in the IAF were shocked by the allegations presented to the investigators, as the unit has been involved in operations across Israel’s seven-front war.
The IAF was quick to emphasize that these were not drone operators. Still, it is unclear how they gained access to the squadron without proper authorization or what the procedures for control and security were.
The IDF is investigating the incident
The IDF declined to comment on the soldiers’ motives, but an official military source stated that the matter is currently under investigation.
Remotely piloted aircraft. (credit: IDF SPOKESMAN’S UNIT)
“An investigation has been opened by the military police regarding two soldiers and one career officer on suspicion of sabotaging several remotely piloted aircraft,” the IDF said in a statement.
“The IDF takes incidents of this nature very seriously, and there has been no impact on the operational readiness of the RPA unit.”
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