Air Force forms new elite unit to guard bases after Oct. 7, IDF says - Avi Ashkenazi

 

by Avi Ashkenazi

Israel sets up base-defense force under Wing 7 alongside Shaldag and Unit 669, with rapid helicopter response and upgraded perimeter systems.

 

An IAF jet prepares to depart prior to the strikes on military targets in Iran. October 26, 2024.

(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

 

The Israel Air Force has begun establishing a new elite unit dedicated to securing Air Force installations following the October 7 attacks, the IDF said on Thursday in Israel.

The unit will operate under Wing 7 alongside existing IAF commando units, including Shaldag and Unit 669, and will provide rapid intervention in the event of a base intrusion. The move, ordered by IAF commander Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar, follows a broader plan to strengthen defenses at all bases, according to the military.

The new unit’s recruitment will start with the next draft cycle. Troops will undergo a unique training track, qualifying to Rifleman 07 level, and will receive specialized instruction in weapons deployment, scanning methods, and operation of dedicated defense systems.

Until the new unit reaches operational readiness, the Air Force will station security battalions at every IAF facility as the first line of response, the IDF said. These reserve formations, trained to Rifleman 07 proficiency, are tasked with countering perimeter attacks across entire bases.

IAF pilots and crew prepare fighter jets for strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, August 24, 2025 (credit: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)

In parallel, the military has upgraded physical barriers and early-warning arrays at IAF sites at a cost of tens of millions of shekels, officials said. The readiness concept emphasizes very short timelines for special forces to deploy by helicopter as an intervention force, with recent drills simulating multiple intrusion scenarios.

Threat picture since October 7

According to the IDF and defense sources, post-attack reviews found that several Hamas Nukhba squads planned to reach at least two Air Force bases, Hazerim and Tel Nof, with some operatives carrying maps to the facilities. In recent months, the Shin Bet disclosed additional cases in which Israelis recruited by Iran were tasked with collecting information on IAF bases, including security routines.

IAF chief Maj.-Gen. Bar prioritized base security, the military said, assessing that hostile actors would attempt, as on October 7, to infiltrate bases and disrupt Air Force continuity during large-scale or localized attacks. Alongside reserve-based security units and the forming elite regular unit, Wing 7 will maintain around-the-clock special forces on call to airlift for immediate intervention.

“Following the investigations of October 7, the Air Force is leading a comprehensive program, investing significant efforts and resources to strengthen defense components at all bases,” the IDF said. “The program includes bolstering base defenses, establishing intervention battalions, enhancing reserve battalion readiness, raising individual proficiency, and introducing capabilities that will improve defensive performance.”

“The Air Force operates at all times in close cooperation with the IDF, security agencies, security battalions and regular and reserve forces to protect personnel and assets,” the statement added. “The corps will continue to act decisively, responsibly, and professionally to ensure the security of the State of Israel.”

Avi Ashkenazi

Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-874596

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