Article Posted on : - Feb 21, 2010

Heron TP Drones.

TEL NOF, ISRAEL (AP): Israel's air force has introduced a fleet of large unmanned planes that can fly as far as Iran.

Air force officials say the Heron TP drones have a wingspan of 86 feet (26 meters), making them the size of passenger jets. They say the planes are primarily used for surveillance.

The drones, built by state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries, were first used during Israel's Gaza war last year. The company has said the aircraft can reach the Persian Gulf.

At an inauguration ceremony today, Israeli officials refused to say how large the fleet is or whether the planes were designed for use against Iran.

Israel believes Tehran is trying to develop nuclear weapons and has repeatedly hinted it could strike Iran if diplomacy fails to curb Iran's nuclear programme.