Israeli Air Force Revises Helicopter Deployment After October 7 Lessons

The Israeli Air Force has acknowledged a significant error in its long-standing approach to combat helicopter deployment, a realization prompted by the events of October 7. Historically, the Air Force prioritized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) squadrons over combat helicopter units, largely due to economic considerations. The cost of an Apache helicopter is comparable to a small fighter jet like the F-16, and maintaining a helicopter squadron is similarly expensive, roughly equal to maintaining an F-16 squadron.

Currently, the Air Force operates fewer combat helicopters than Israel requires. To address this, combat helicopter squadrons will be split, with some Apache helicopters relocating from Mitzpe Ramon Airbase to Ramat David Airbase. Despite ongoing delays in acquiring new helicopters, the Air Force will maintain two squadrons instead of three, each comprising a mix of older and newer helicopters.

Squadron 113, known as "Deborah," based in Mitzpe Ramon, is already transferring some of its helicopters to the northern squadron "Magic Touch." This restructuring aims to enhance operational readiness and better distribute helicopter assets across bases. The changes reflect a strategic shift in the Air Force's helicopter force structure following the October 7 incident.