TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) -- A high-ranking Israeli air force officer says Israel aims to develop drones that can execute nearly every battlefield operation performed today by piloted aircraft.
The official says Israel's military industry is on the path to developing such technology within 40 to 50 years.
The officer, who works in the field of unmanned aerial vehicle intelligence, spoke Sunday in a rare interview to The Associated Press. He spoke anonymously because of the classified nature of his work.
Israel is a world leader in drone technology. The official refused to say whether Israeli drones are capable of firing missiles, despite dozens of witness accounts from the Gaza Strip who attest to seeing the small crafts shoot missiles.
The officer said Israel also looks to develop tactical satellites for military use.
