The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have integrated DJI Avata drones into their tactical arsenal, particularly for entering and inspecting suspect houses. Footage has emerged showing these drones navigating indoors and coming face-to-face with armed Palestinian fighters.
The DJI Avata drones are distinguished from other commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) drones by several features suited for military operations, especially in confined environments. Notably, their propellers are encased, reducing the risk of damage and making them ideal for use inside buildings, including the challenging terrains of overground and underground structures. However, a significant limitation of these drones is their battery life, which is relatively short. This constraint necessitates strategic deployment, reserved only for critical situations where the benefits of their use outweigh the limitations, such as clearing suspicious areas.
The IDF has released multiple videos showcasing these drones in action, providing insights into the reactions of combatants upon encountering the drones. Responses vary significantly, ranging from freezing to opening fire on the drones. In a notable instance, a DJI Avata drone withstood the explosion from a fragmentation grenade and managed to exit the area successfully.
IDF fighters clearing a house and then scanning it with drones
byu/itaisls9 inCombatFootage
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