Israel uses the secret RA-01 stealth drone in secret missions

A recent article in The War Zone drew attention to the existence of the Israeli RA-01 drone, which is designed to carry out classified missions. Information about this drone appeared after the leak of documents of the US National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. These documents, posted on social networks, confirm that Israel has long-range stealth drones capable of gathering intelligence and possibly striking targets.

Israel is famous for its advanced unmanned aviation, and the presence of such drones is quite logical in light of the constant confrontation with Iran. During major operations against Iranian facilities, RA-01 drones can play a key role. Mention of the RA-01 drone appeared for the first time in classified documents, which are not denied by US officials. An investigation is currently underway to determine whether the leak was the result of a hack or accidental disclosure.

Photos of the Israeli spy drone over Lebanon;
در سندا افشاء شده إستراميتا به يك اسراعيل spy drone ب نام رمز RA-01 کا شده شده بود pic.twitter.com/Iobs8bpHEG

— شـــــبـــــح ـــارســی (@Shabahe_Persia) October 28, 2024

The NGA documents contain data on the observation of the Israeli Air Force exercises that took place on October 15-16. These exercises are seen as preparation for retaliatory actions after recent Iranian missile attacks. The materials also discuss Israel's ballistic missile capabilities and mention the country's nuclear arsenal, although Israel has never publicly acknowledged its existence.

As for the RA-01 itself, the documents do not provide detailed information about its design or capabilities. The nomenclature “RA” may indicate reconnaissance and strike functions of the drone. This designation may be an internal code used by the US intelligence community and does not necessarily reflect the name used by the Israelis.

Although there are no direct sightings of RA-01, documents report signs of its activity at Ramon Air Base in the Negev desert. The base has already been hit by Iranian missiles and hosts various types of military equipment, including F-16I fighter jets and AH-64 helicopters. At the base, experts discovered several fenced areas that are likely to house RA-01 drones.

Satellite images show that work on these areas began as early as 2007-2008, with significant renovations in between 2010s. The base has hangars and a taxiway, which may indicate the size and capabilities of the RA-01. The white triangles on the runways are likely jet thrust warning zones, which could indicate that the drone is using a jet engine.

The presence of two cordoned off zones may indicate that there are others at the Ramon base secret drones This also implies that the dimensions of the hangar and taxiway may not correspond exclusively to the RA-01. US drones designed for covert operations are known to vary widely in size and configuration, providing a rich context for Israeli developments.

The Israeli aerospace sector has a long history of drone development, and the creation of stealth drones such as to RA-01, quite possible.