Nevatim Air Base
Nevatim Air Base is a major Israeli Air Force (IAF) installation in the Negev desert, serving as a primary strategic hub for Israel's most advanced aerial capabilities, including the F-35I 'Adir' stealth fighter squadrons. As a critical node in Israel's long-range strike and defense architecture, it is a frequent target of Iranian ballistic missile threats.
Nevatim Air Base (Air Force Base 28) is one of the largest and most strategically significant installations within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Located in the northern Negev near Beersheba, the base underwent massive expansion following the withdrawal from Sinai to accommodate the relocation of strategic assets. Today, it serves as the home of the IAF's 5th-generation stealth fighter fleet, the F-35I 'Adir,' which is central to Israel's qualitative military edge in the Middle East.
Beyond its role as a fighter base, Nevatim houses the IAF's heavy transport fleet, including the C-130J Super Hercules ('Shimshon'), and serves as the primary hub for airborne intelligence and refueling operations. These capabilities are essential for the IDF's ability to project power far from Israel's borders, particularly in the context of the ongoing direct confrontation with the Iranian regime. Due to its concentration of high-value assets and its role in long-range operations, Nevatim is viewed by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a high-priority target.
In June 2026, the base was specifically targeted during the IRGC's 'Operation Nasr.' While the Iranian regime frequently claims successful strikes on the facility to project domestic strength and deter Israeli action, the base remains fully operational, supported by robust multi-layered missile defense systems and hardened infrastructure. The persistence of threats against Nevatim underscores its position as a cornerstone of Israeli national resilience and its primary deterrent posture against regional state-level adversaries.