Wing 7: Israel Air Force opens new Special Forces squadron
The Israeli Air Force formally opened a new squadron combining special units like Shalbag and Unit 699 to increase the operational effectiveness of the IAF.
IAF Chief: “We are moving now to the new era in the history of the Aerial Special Forces Wing — we are standing on the shoulders of our predecessors, who were courageous and took action — and now we are leading the way.” https://t.co/HGfb8ZAo5b pic.twitter.com/vlWgGZvBxU
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A special ceremony was held at Palmachim Air Force base in central Israel.
“We are moving now to the new era in the history of the Aerial Special Forces Wing — we are standing on the shoulders of our predecessors, who were courageous and took action — and now we are leading the way,” IAF chief Amikam Norkin said during the ceremony.
The new 7th Aerial Special Forces Wing will combine the air force’s elite search-and-rescue Unit 669; the Shaldag commando unit; the Frontal Landing Unit, which builds ad hoc landing strips behind enemy lines; a dedicated intelligence unit for the wing; and a special forces school.
“The wing was formed as part of an overall process of strengthening as well as streamlining and improving operational effectiveness of the units,” the IDF said in a statement.
“The timing of the opening of the wing, during the new multi-year plan, represents an opportunity to make deep changes and to deal with new challenges in a changing reality,” the IDF said.
In February, the IDF launched a 5-year “Momentum” plan, aimed to obtain considerable military advantage over Israel’s enemies.
