Israel Air Force unveils new special forces squadron

The Israeli military unveiled a new wing of Israel Air Force (IAF) on Sunday, aimed at consolidating its special forces units under a single rubric.  

The IAF established its 7th Wing "in light of operational needs and changing and growing threats in the various theaters," according to an army press release. 

The move aims "to increase the operational effectiveness of the units. The wing will function as a complementary and a unique component to IAF activities through special depth, routine and emergency operations."

The IAF routinely carries out military operations in the Gaza Strip, typically targeting terrorist installations of the ruling Hamas group, as well as airstrikes against Iranian targets in Syria, where Jerusalem is working to make sure Tehran does not expand its foothold in the country.

In what represents a "conceptual change" for the IAF, the new squadron "will gather various units, including the "Shaldag" unit, Unit 669, the Forward Landing Unit, a dedicated intelligence unit and an assigned school for Special Air Force (SAF) combat troops." 

IAF Commanding Officer Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin stated that "We are already in the era of regional change, a pandemic and a battlefield that is becoming more complex every day. This change has been understood by the commanders. This is the change that requires us to adapt ourselves and to prepare better for future challenges."

"Today we move forward to a new chapter in the history of the SAF. We stand on the shoulders of our predecessors who dared and acted - and now we are the ones leading."