Class of IDF drone that killed two soldiers has history of explosive failures - report

Jerusalem Post/Israel News/Defense NewsAccording to N12, drones of that type had failed to detonate on at least seven prior occasions, and in another three incidents in 2025 had exploded while being examined by IDF forces.Follow us on GoogleAn IDF drone during a training exercise near the Syrian border, northern Golan Heights, June 26, 2025; illustrative.(photo credit: MICHAEL GILADI/FLASH90)SEPTEMBER 27, 2026 10:13The "Atalef" (bat) style suicide drone, which was involved in the recent accident that killed two IDF soldiers, has had repeated incidents of failure in the past, N12 reported on Saturday.According to N12, drones of that type had failed to detonate on at least seven prior occasions, and in another three incidents in 2025 had exploded while being examined by IDF forces.After several investigations into these incidents, the Yahalom Unit released a series of safety guidelines for the Atalef drones, including explicitly instructing soldiers not to approach or move fallen drones, and instead call in bomb disposal forces.On Friday, two IDF soldiers were killed when a drone that they were operating landed and exploded within their military outpost in the northern Gaza Strip, the military said.Zamir establishes team to investigate explosive drone accidentIDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir ordered the establishment of an expert team to investigate the operational accident in which the two soldiers were killed.IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir attends a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Operation Entebbe at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, July 12, 2026. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)The team, led by a ground forces brigadier-general, will examine the incident in order to ensure a similar one does not occur again.In addition, following the accident, the IDF grounded all attack drones for 48 hours, after which it will conduct a renewed assessment.The Atalef suicide drone involved in the incident has been in operational use by the IDF since the start of the war.Follow us on Google