The Tel Nof Airbase (Hebrew: בסיס חיל האוויר תל נוף), officially known as Air Force Base 8 (AFB 8), is a major Israeli Air Force (IAF) installation located in central Israel, near the city of Rehovot. It is one of the largest and most strategically important airbases in the country, serving as a primary operational and training hub for various combat, transport, and special forces units.
History The airbase's origins trace back to the British Mandate of Palestine. It was established in 1939 by the Royal Air Force (RAF) as RAF Aqir (or Ekron). During World War II, it played a significant role as a British military airfield. With the end of the British Mandate and the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the base was transferred to the newly formed Israeli Air Force and renamed Tel Nof. Since then, it has undergone continuous expansion and modernization to accommodate the evolving needs of the IAF.
Current Operations and Units Tel Nof Airbase is a diverse and multifaceted facility, home to a wide array of aircraft and specialized units:
- Fighter Jets: It is primarily known as the home of the IAF's F-15I "Ra'am" (Thunder) squadrons, which are Israel's most advanced strike fighters. These include the 106 "Edge of the Spear" Squadron and the 133 "Knights of the Twin Tail" Squadron.
- Transport Aircraft: The base also hosts transport squadrons, including those operating the Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules "Shimshon" (Samson) (103 "Elephants" Squadron) and Boeing KC-707 "Re'em" (Oryx) tanker aircraft (120 "International" Squadron), which provide aerial refueling capabilities.
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Tel Nof is a significant hub for the operation and development of various Israeli UAV systems, which play a crucial role in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
- Special Forces Units: The base is unique in hosting several elite special forces units, including:
- Unit 669: The IAF's dedicated combat search and rescue (CSAR) unit, responsible for extracting downed pilots and other personnel from behind enemy lines, as well as providing airborne medical evacuation.
- Shaldag Unit (Unit 5101): The IAF's special forces unit, specializing in forward air control, target acquisition, and other special operations.
- Paratrooper Training: Tel Nof is also the location of the IAF's Paratrooper School, where all IAF paratroopers receive their training.
Strategic Importance Due to its central location, extensive facilities, and the high-value assets and units it houses, Tel Nof Airbase is considered a cornerstone of Israel's national security infrastructure. It plays a critical role in maintaining Israel's air superiority, conducting long-range strike missions, providing tactical and strategic airlift, and supporting special operations both domestically and abroad. Its operational readiness and capabilities are vital for Israel's defense posture.