The Israeli Air Force formally reopened the 193rd Squadron, its naval helicopter unit, at the Palmachim Airbase on Tuesday, the military said. The squadron, which operates SH-60F Seahawk helicopters on behalf of the Israeli Navy, was shuttered in August 2025 after the retirement of the AS565 Panther fleet. The IDF said the unit will work in close cooperation with the Missile Boat Flotilla for maritime defense and power projection.
The Israeli Air Force formally reopened the 193rd Squadron at the Palmachim Airbase on Tuesday, July 28, the military said. The squadron, which operates the SH-60F Seahawk helicopter — a naval variant of the UH-60 Blackhawk — on behalf of the Israeli Navy, was shuttered in August 2025 after the IAF retired its fleet of AS565 Panther helicopters. The reopening follows the delivery of the new Seahawk helicopters, which are designed for anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol, and vertical replenishment. According to the IDF, the squadron will operate in 'close cooperation' with the Missile Boat Flotilla for missions including defense of strategic assets, safeguarding freedom of navigation, and employment of naval firepower. The Israeli Navy and Air Force have been deepening integration in recent years, and the restored squadron represents a key component of the IDF's multi-domain maritime strategy.
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