Sky Rider Unit

Sky Rider teams join infantry forces including special forces and reconnaissance battalions and assist them in maneuvering safely by acting as their 'eyes in the sky'. The teams are trained to fly UAVs that give the forces an aerial overview of their surroundings. Both male and female soldiers serve in the unit and complete identical training. 

UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are controlled from a remote location, while others fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans. They are optimal for intelligence gathering, directing of forces from afar and warning them regarding any approaching or nearby threats they might encounter. 

Sky Rider teams operate a UAVs called Skylark, which is considered to be one of the IDF’s most effective technologies. Thanks to the precise intelligence Sky Rider teams are able to provide, the IDF uses them in almost every major operational activity.

As their UAVs capture aerial images from above, Sky Rider teams develop a clear picture of suspect movement, terrorist activity and presence of obstacles on the ground and report it to the forces in the field. 

Sky Rider team will often carry the UAV on their back, and assemble it in the field. Once the Skylark (UAV) is assembled, the team will attach them to elastic cords and launch them forward in a manner similar to a large slingshot. Two members of the team guide the UAV using a computer system, quickly interpret the images and videos it transmits back and send intelligence to soldiers in the field.

The unit is open to those who enlist in the Artillery Corps and those who are assigned it after participating in selection tests for other special units. The selection within the corps takes place during basic training, after which the soldiers are transferred to a special company. following basic training identical to that of Artillery Corps soldiers, Sky Rider soldiers go through additional 3-4 months of individual training and 3-4 months of joint training to perfect their operation within small teams.