Israeli Air Force Shifts Strategy to Prepare for Prolonged Conflict with Iran
Brigadier General S', who recently completed his tenure as head of the Israeli Air Force's Equipment Directorate, detailed significant changes in the Air Force's operational and logistical approach following the October 7 conflict. Raised in Kibbutz Dafna and trained in aeronautics, S' spent most of his career in the Air Force headquarters, overseeing engines, refueling aircraft, and later commanding technical and aircraft departments before leading the Equipment Directorate from summer 2022.
The Equipment Directorate manages eight departments ranging from technology and air defense to infrastructure, emphasizing that every base functions primarily as an operational airfield. It also oversees frontline units such as Unit "Ofek," the air-mechanical Unit 22, and Unit 108, which handles digital systems. Their responsibility spans from integrating new platforms like the recently inducted "Gideon" refueler to maintaining legacy aircraft.
The October 7 war exposed critical readiness gaps, prompting immediate lessons focused on surprise scenario preparedness and daily operational readiness. S' highlighted a fundamental shift in how aircraft are prepared each morning, reflecting a broader change in mindset across the military. Another key focus has been extending operational endurance, addressing environmental challenges, and rapidly adapting force structure during ongoing combat through unprecedented technological projects and engineering solutions.
Despite challenges in spare parts procurement amid international pressures, the Air Force maintained operational continuity and recognizes the need for greater domestic weapons independence. Looking ahead five years, the Air Force plans extensive modernization, including further F-35 acquisitions, expanded air defense systems, and tackling maintenance challenges of aging equipment. The operational concept now assumes longer, sustained conflicts, incorporating greater flexibility and redeployment of units, such as relocating a combat helicopter squadron to Ramat David base.
Space is also identified as a critical domain for future development, with current involvement in communications and intelligence expected to grow amid intensifying competition. S' expressed concern over Turkey's potential F-35 acquisition, noting Turkey's NATO status and past involvement in the F-35 program, emphasizing ongoing monitoring of regional developments.
Ultimately, S' stressed that Israel's advantage lies not only in acquiring advanced platforms but in the unique modifications and enhancements made by the Air Force's technical and engineering corps, which provide decisive battlefield superiority and maintain Israel's qualitative edge.
