IDF extends suspension of 'Atalef' loitering munition drones after two reservists killed
The IDF stopped operational activity of the small drone after two reservists were killed after one exploded near them in northern Gaza.
The Israeli military has extended the suspension of its "Atalef" (Bat) attack drone after two reservists were killed while operating the platform last week. Commanders conducted a situational assessment following the deadly explosion and decided to suspend the use of the drones until October 4 as a precaution. The "Atalef" drone, widely used by the military across multiple fronts since the start of the war, was halted following the deaths of reservists Maj.
(res.) Nadav Kali, 24, and Maj. (res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, stationed at a post near Beit Hanun. The IDF is investigating whether the explosion was caused by a technical malfunction or electronic warfare interference by Hamas, but the latter is unlikely as Hamas cannot remotely control such platforms. The "Atalef" drone weighs 1 kg and can carry heavy warheads.
Plans are in place to upgrade the system into an autonomous one capable of coordinating with drone swarms for enhanced lethality. However, the drone has had issues in the past, with seven prior failures and three explosions during inspections in 2025. The IDF has released safety guidelines for the "Atalef" drones, instructing soldiers not to approach or move fallen drones and to call in bomb disposal forces instead.
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