Skylark II

The Skylark II, developed by Israel’s Elbit Systems Ltd., traces its origins to the early 2010s when the company sought a versatile platform for both reconnaissance and light attack missions. Building on the success of the original Skylark UAV, the second‑generation model entered flight testing in 2014 and achieved full certification by 2016, quickly becoming a staple for armed forces and border‑security agencies across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Key features include a modular airframe that can be equipped with a range of sensor suites, from electro‑optical/infrared cameras to synthetic‑aperture radar. Powered by a fuel‑efficient turboprop engine, the Skylark II offers a maximum endurance of 24 hours and a service ceiling of 30 000 feet, while its folding wing design allows transport in standard cargo containers. Advanced autonomous navigation and encrypted data links provide secure, real‑time video streaming to ground stations and handheld controllers.

The aircraft’s significance lies in its blend of durability, low operating cost, and rapid payload integration, setting a new benchmark for medium‑altitude, long‑endurance platforms. Its adaptability has enabled unprecedented ISR coverage and precision‑strike capability in contested environments, reinforcing Elbit’s reputation as a leading innovator in modern aviation.