Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced the capturing of an Israeli Orbitor K-1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), on Monday evening, in eastern Gaza, a press release by the Birgades stated.

Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, seizes an Israeli Orbiter-K1 UAV that was on a reconnaissance mission in eastern #Gaza.#Palestine https://t.co/4mNkGd775Q

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 15, 2023

The Palestinian Resistance group said the drone was on a reconnaissance mission before its fighters were able to take control of the aerial vehicle in eastern Gaza. 

Al-Qassam Brigades also said the UAV can be used as a suicide drone and is deployed during aggressions on Palestine and assassinations against its Resistance leaders and fighters.

In fact, the drone which is manufactured by the Israeli Aeronautics Systems company can be adapted to carry a 2 kg explosive payload, transforming it into a loitering munition.

Reportedly, the Orbiter 1K can fly for 2 to 3 hours while carrying an electro-optical or infrared sensor. Its manufacturers claim its warhead transmits a low acoustic signature, making it difficult to detect. 

Dany Eshchar, Aeronautics’ deputy chief executive, said in 2016 that "it is not detected until two seconds before it starts its kill dive."

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