The IDF this week held a ceremony at the Israeli Air Force's Palmachim Airbase marking the reopening of Squadron 193, "Defenders of the West," which will operate helicopters for maritime reconnaissance and naval support missions. The ceremony was attended by Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Omer Tishler, Israeli Navy Commander Maj. Gen. Eyal Harel, as well as commanders, service members, and aircrew.
Squadron 193 will operate in cooperation with the Navy's Missile Boat Flotilla and support a wide range of naval missions, including protecting Israel's strategic assets, safeguarding freedom of navigation, assisting maneuvering forces, and providing naval fire support. The IDF said the squadron's reactivation will strengthen cooperation between the Air Force and Navy while expanding the military's operational capabilities in the maritime arena.
The squadron has been equipped with SH-60F Seahawk helicopters, designated in Israeli service as the Shelach. The maritime helicopters are designed to conduct intelligence-gathering, reconnaissance and surveillance, search-and-rescue, and naval support missions. They are equipped with advanced sensor systems, including maritime radar and day-and-night observation systems.
Squadron 193, "Defenders of the West," was established in 1987. Over the years it operated Dolphin helicopters and later Atalef helicopters. The squadron was deactivated at Ramat David Airbase in 2025 and has now resumed operations from Palmachim Airbase in a new configuration as a maritime support helicopter squadron. (Read More)
