The Israeli suicide drone "Ma'oz" gained notoriety following the announcement by Hamas's military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, that they had shot down two of these drones over the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood in eastern Gaza. Video clips were released showing one of its operators displaying parts of the drone with Hebrew inscriptions after dismantling it. The "Ma'oz" drone, which was first used by Israeli forces during a raid in Jenin camp last June, is referred to by military personnel as the "flying fire" or "best friend of infantry" due to its military capabilities in reconnaissance and attack, and its small warhead, which is described as a "precision killer," as it destroys its targets in line with the missions assigned to infantry and special operations forces.
#### What is the "Ma'oz" Israeli Drone?
According to military and Israeli reports, "Ma'oz" is a suicide drone of Israeli manufacture, with several features and diverse capabilities, including:
- It carries an explosive warhead weighing up to 400 grams.
- It assists in assassination operations and locating hidden targets.
- It can fly in various weather conditions.
- It is classified as light ammunition designed to accompany infantry and special forces.
This drone entered service last June after being utilized by Israeli units "Duvdevan" and "Maglan" during a military operation in the Jenin camp, resulting in the assassination of 12 Palestinians, according to the Israeli newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth." The newspaper reports that the drone was manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and was first used in Jenin, where it was detonated safely from a distance. It adds that:
Elite units were supplied with the Ma'oz suicide drone in 2022, and it was deployed alongside infantry units as part of a restructuring plan under the "Momentum" program, aimed at building a destructive force against enemy capabilities in the least time and at the lowest cost.
This drone can fly quietly in urban areas or inside buildings. It can operate autonomously and explodes on target with high precision and lethality. It is part of the "Spike" system, which includes anti-tank guided missiles, and falls under "tactical loitering munitions."
It is capable of conducting surveillance, attack, and ambush operations.
#### What are its Key Features and Specifications?
The "Ma'oz Firefly" model is the largest among this type of Israeli drone, equipped with a tracking system, a warhead, and a data link with electro-optical characteristics similar to those of anti-tank missiles. According to "Detaly.co.il," its military characteristics and features include:
- A miniature quadcopter designed for target destruction and assassinations.
- Classified as "loitering munitions" or "kamikaze drones."
- Defined by its manufacturer Rafael as a "miniature tactical loitering weapon."
- Can be controlled manually via a tablet or automatically by providing precise target coordinates; if the attack is canceled, it returns to the launch site.
- Designed in a helicopter configuration and equipped with dual-axis anti-rotation rotor blades.
- It has a thermal imaging camera, with flight endurance ranging from 15 to 30 minutes depending on whether it uses one or two battery packs.
- Each Israeli combat unit includes three quadcopters and a control system using a reinforced tablet.
- Its dual rotors enable it to fly and remain stable in difficult weather conditions such as storms, heavy rain, and sandstorms.
- Its design relies on Israel's experience in direct combat at close ranges against Palestinian resistance in urban areas like Gaza.
- It is practically easy to operate and does not require any special skills.
- It features technology with a type of artificial intelligence that helps it avoid collisions and obstacles; it can also operate day or night with low auditory sensors.
- Its warhead impacts its target at speeds of around 70 kilometers per hour.
- It can maneuver around buildings to attack individuals hidden from view or holed up in urban environments like apartment buildings.
