Israel's electronic warfare capabilities

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JERUSALEM, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Israel's electronic warfare capabilities have been given a rare public airing.

The Israeli air force's Sky Crows squadrons, which on Sept. 6, 2007, deployed 10 F-15I fighter jets to attack Syria's purported nuclear reactor, built along the Euphrates River and modeled after the North Korean reactor in Yongbyon and financed with Iranian assistance, have spoken to the media, The Jerusalem Post reported Wednesday.

"Operation Orchard" was never publicly confirmed by Israel.

Israel's reportedly used electronic warfare to neutralize Syria's air defense systems.

Pinhas Buhris, who served as director general of the Defense Ministry at the time, in discussing Israel in developing state-of-the-art electronic warfare capabilities, said at the time: "You need this kind of capability. You're not being responsible if you're not dealing with it. And, if you can build this kind of capability, the sky's the limit."

Israel's Sky Crows Squadron commander Lt. Col. Oren observed: "The current theater of operations for aircraft is challenged and threatened by advanced surface-to-air missile systems in enemy territory. Our objective is to activate our systems and to disrupt and neutralize the enemy's systems."