Jerusalem, Feb 22 (IANS) The Israel Air Force has added into its fleet a new generation drone designed to perform versatile operations.

The new unmanned plane 'Eitan' which has been put into use is specially designed to perform versatile operations, said Captain Omer, deputy commander of a newly established squadron to operate the new drone.

Equipped with a turbo jet engine, 'Eitan' is able to carry various payloads weighing up to hundreds of kilograms, Omer said.

It is able to carry out a variety of missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance and assault. The major mission for the aircraft will be intelligence related, the captain added.

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which has a length of 13 metres and a wingspan of 26 metres, is capable of flying above the altitude of 12,000 metres and at a maximum speed of 240 km per hour, Xinhua reported.

'The launching of this air plane is another substantial landmark in the development of unmanned aerial vehicles,' said IAF Commander Ido Nehoshtan.