The new unit integrates fighter squadrons, helicopter crews, UAV operators, and intelligence officers into a single command structure designed to deliver immediate fire support.
By Hezy Laing
Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel, the Israel Air Force established a new operational formation dedicated specifically to countering enemy ground‑force incursions.
This marks one of the most significant structural changes in the IAF since the creation of the Air Defense Command in 1970.
The new unit, known internally as the “Ground Threat Response Wing,” was approved by IAF Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar.
Its creation followed internal investigations showing that existing air‑ground coordination frameworks were not optimized for rapid response to mass infiltration attempts like those seen in the Gaza envelope communities of Kfar Aza, Be’eri, Nahal Oz, and Re’im.
According to senior officers involved in the post‑attack review, the IAF recorded more than 3,000 individual ground‑contact alerts on October 7.
These alerts included dozens of simultaneous border breaches, the use of paragliders, and the deployment of armed pickup trucks and motorcycles.
The scale of the attack overwhelmed traditional command‑and‑control channels and exposed gaps in real‑time aerial support for ground units.
The new unit integrates fighter squadrons, helicopter crews, UAV operators, and intelligence officers into a single command structure designed to deliver immediate fire support.
It draws personnel from the 190th AH‑64 Apache Squadron at Ramon Airbase, the 161st “Black Snake” UAV Squadron at Palmachim, and the 107th F‑16I Squadron at Hatzerim.
It also incorporates liaison teams from the IDF Southern Command and the 98th Paratroopers Division.
The IAF has expanded the use of Hermes 900 and Heron TP UAVs for persistent surveillance over border communities.
Flight hours for these platforms have increased by more than 40 percent compared to 2022.
Maj. Gen. Bar stated that the new formation is intended to ensure that no ground‑force invasion by Hamas, Hezbollah, or any other adversary can unfold without immediate aerial intervention.
The unit has already conducted joint exercises with the Golani Brigade, the 401st Armored Brigade, and the Border Defense Corps.
These drills simulated multi‑axis infiltration attempts similar to those launched from Gaza on October 7.
Senior defense officials say the new unit will become a permanent component of Israel’s national defense architecture.
