Air Force Unveils New All-Female Commando Unit Following October 7 Failures
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
The Israeli Air Force is launching a new all-female commando unit, "Arad," to enhance base security following the October 7th attacks. The unit will undergo elite training and be deployed to strategic bases to prevent infiltrations and attacks. This initiative is part of a broader Air Force effort to integrate elite and infantry units into bases and improve overall security, prompted by intelligence failures and a critical State Comptroller report.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Israeli Air Force has created a new all-female commando unit named "Arad" to bolster base security.
- The unit's formation follows security failures and Hamas operatives possessing maps of Air Force bases.
- Female soldiers will receive elite commando training and be deployed to strategic locations like Nevatim base.
- The Air Force is also integrating elite and infantry units into permanent housing at its bases.
- A proposal is being considered to move the Golani Brigade command to Ramat David Air Base.
In response to security lapses revealed by the October 7th Hamas attack, the Israeli Air Force is establishing a new elite commando unit comprised solely of female soldiers. This unit, operating under Wing 7 which oversees Air Force commando units like Shaldag and Unit 669, will soon complete its initial training. The female soldiers will undergo rigorous commando training and be responsible for security operations around Air Force bases, working alongside the police and Shin Bet to prevent and thwart attacks on strategic assets.
The decision to form the all-female unit, named "Arad," stems from a comprehensive review of base security following the discovery that Hamas operatives possessed maps detailing access to key Air Force bases. The first operational company, consisting of dozens of female soldiers, is set to finish over eight months of training next week. They will be deployed to Nevatim base in the Negev, a strategic hub housing F-35 squadrons and other critical assets, to conduct intelligence gathering and prevent attacks.
In parallel, the Air Force is integrating elite units and infantry units directly into its bases to bolster defense. This initiative aims to create rapid intervention forces capable of responding to base incursions. Several bases have already begun hosting these units permanently. The military is also considering relocating the command of the Golani Brigade, including the Egoz and Golani Reconnaissance units, from their current location in the Western Galilee to the Ramat David Air Base.
The move follows a critical State Comptroller report that identified severe security deficiencies at Israel's strategic sites, including Air Force bases. The concern over large-scale base infiltrations was amplified after October 7th, when it became clear that some Hamas attackers had detailed maps of Air Force bases. The new "Arad" force will conduct visible and covert patrols, apprehend suspects, and counter drone threats, with future training cycles planned to establish additional female commando companies at other bases.