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Eitan

IAI · Israel · Modern (1992–2009)

Eitan — Fixed Wing
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The IAI Eitan (Hebrew: Steadfast; also known as Heron TP) is an Israeli long-endurance high-altitude UAV — IAI's MALE-class follow-on to the Heron + Israel's largest unmanned aircraft. IAI designed the Eitan in 2002-2010 as an enlarged twin-tail Heron with a turboprop engine + higher operating ceiling; first flight 2004; IDF service entry 2010. The aircraft serves Israeli Defense Forces + German Luftwaffe (lease, 2018-present) + Indian Air Force (lease, 2024-present).

The Eitan uses 1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A turboprop (1,200 hp). Maximum speed 407 km/h, range 7,400 km, service ceiling 14,000 m, MTOW 4,650 kg, wingspan 26 m. Endurance: 36 hours. Payload: 1,000 kg of electro-optical + SIGINT + SAR sensors + (in armed variants) up to 4 air-to-ground missiles or guided bombs. The aircraft is the same size as a manned F-16 + can operate above commercial air-traffic ceiling.

Eitan service includes long-range Israeli surveillance + (claimed) strike missions over Syria, Lebanon, + Iran. Open-source analysts attribute several Heron TP strikes to the Eitan, including a 2009 Sudan convoy strike + 2018 Syria Iranian-base strikes. Germany leased 5 Eitans for Bundeswehr operations from Mali + Afghanistan 2018-2021 + later for NATO eastern-flank surveillance. India leased 4 Eitans in 2024 for high-altitude China-border surveillance after the 2020 Galwan clashes. About 30 Eitans have been built; the aircraft remains in active production + export markets in 2026.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The IAI Eitan, also called the Heron TP, is the biggest unmanned plane built in Israel. The Hebrew name Eitan means 'Steadfast.' The drone first flew in 2004 and entered Israeli Air Force service in 2010.

The Eitan is about as big as a small private jet. Its wings are 26 meters across — wider than four city buses parked end to end. The drone uses one Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprop engine with 1,200 horsepower.

The Eitan can stay in the air for 36 hours without refueling. That is a day and a half of nonstop flying. Its range is 4,600 miles, far enough to fly across the United States.

The Israeli Defense Forces use the Eitan for spy missions and surveillance. Germany also leases Eitans from Israel, starting in 2018. India started leasing them in 2024. The Eitan can carry 1,000 kg of cameras, radio receivers, and other sensors.

Fun Facts

  • The Eitan is the biggest unmanned plane built in Israel.
  • Its wings are 26 meters across — wider than four city buses parked end to end.
  • The drone can stay in the air for 36 hours straight.
  • Germany leases Eitans from Israel for its air force.
  • India started leasing Eitans in 2024.
  • The plane uses a single 1,200-horsepower turboprop engine.

Kids’ Questions

Why fly a drone instead of a piloted plane?

A drone has no pilot inside, so it can stay in the air much longer than a human pilot could handle. The Eitan flies 36 hours at a time — far longer than any pilot could safely stay awake. Drones are also cheaper than fighter jets and do not put a pilot at risk if something goes wrong.

How does the Eitan stay in the air for so long?

The Eitan has long, thin wings that work like a glider — they make lots of lift with very little drag. The turboprop engine sips fuel slowly at cruise speeds. With 1,000 kg of fuel on board, the drone can keep flying for a day and a half before it needs to come home for refueling.

Variants

Eitan (basic ISR)
Standard reconnaissance + SIGINT. Most-built variant.
Heron TP (armed export)
German + Indian armed export variant.

Notable Operators

Israeli Defense Forces (2010-present)
Principal operator. Long-range ISR + (claimed) strike.
German Luftwaffe (2018-present)
5 leased. Mali + Afghanistan + NATO eastern flank.
Indian Air Force (2024-present)
4 leased. China-border high-altitude surveillance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Eitan F-16 sized?

IAI scaled the Eitan to a 26 m wingspan + 4,650 kg MTOW — comparable to an F-16 Fighting Falcon's footprint — to gain three operational benefits: (1) higher altitude (14,000 m vs Heron's 9,150 m, putting it above commercial traffic + most short-range SAMs), (2) longer endurance (36 h vs Heron's 52 h is a regression but with much heavier payload), + (3) far-larger sensor + weapons payload (1,000 kg vs Heron's 250 kg). The scale-up also allowed the Eitan to use the proven PT6A-67A turboprop instead of a smaller piston engine — improving reliability + reducing maintenance.

Sources

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