Israeli Air Force hits 250 Iranian drones, kills many troops in targeted UAV Force strikes

The Israeli military has targeted Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities, destroying over 250 drones, dozens of launchers, and killing several soldiers and commanders involved in the programme.

A report by The Times of Israel on March 12, 2026, quoted the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to have said that in recent days they had intensified strikes aimed at neutralising threats from Iran’s UAV array.

During one operation, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) observed Iranian personnel preparing to launch drones toward Israel.

The military said the launchers and soldiers were swiftly struck, preventing the attack from taking place.

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“So far, the Air Force has struck more than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles, launchers, and dozens of launch sites.

“In addition, many commanders and soldiers in the unmanned aerial vehicle array responsible for numerous launches toward the State of Israel have been eliminated,” the IDF said in an official statement.

The military released footage documenting some of the strikes, showing both the destruction of drone launchers and the effect on personnel within the UAV array.

According to the IDF, these operations are part of a broader effort to reduce the threat posed by Iranian UAVs, which have been increasingly used in attacks against Israel.

Military analysts note that the strikes demonstrate Israel’s growing capability to preemptively target aerial threats before they can be deployed.

The IDF has emphasized that the operations are defensive in nature, aiming to protect Israeli territory and civilians from potential drone attacks.

The IDF also stated that it will continue monitoring Iran’s UAV activities closely, maintaining readiness to carry out further strikes if additional threats are detected.