Air Force C4I (Command, Control, Communications & Intelligence)

With Arab airfields located only a short distance from Israel's borders, one question stands out: will the IAF have sufficiently early warning to meet potential threats?

The Intelligence Branch keeps the IAF's eyes focused on the ever-changing threat, and provides a warning at the earliest sign of danger.

IAF Intelligence forces utilize the latest technology for gathering signals and information, but the real trick is to analyze this data and properly assess enemy intentions. This requires a marriage between sophisticated electronic equipment and highly skilled professionals.

In many instances, the required technology has been developed in Israel. One example is the mini-RPV (remotely piloted vehicle). After witnessing its effectiveness in the IAF, American forces purchased and made excellent use of mini-RPVs in the Persian Gulf.

Ground-based radars and airborne control aircraft, such as the E-2C Hawkeye, help the IAF Commander control the rapidly developing situation. He can divide the battlefield into different sectors and effectively utilize his resources wherever needed by the IDF. Operational flexibility and rapid response provide for effective decision-making under pressure.

Sources: IDF