Air force shoots down drone after engine fails

An IAF Heron-1 UAV was downed by the air force Saturday night after its handlers discovered an engine failure.

The failure was discovered during a routine flight over the Mediterranean, off the coast of Netanya.

Navy boats were searching for debris from the drone.

The IDF’s Spokesman’s Office said the army shot down the drone fearing it would crash into a populated area.

The Israeli-made Heron-1 is one of the most advanced UAVs in the world. It can remain airborne for more than two days without requiring refueling, gathering intelligence from high altitudes.