The Air Force's concept proved to be a mistake: corrective measures are underway
The October 7 massacre taught the Air Force that it was greatly mistaken — and the combat helicopter squadrons will be split, with some Apache helicopters moving from Ramon Airbase to Ramat David Airbase. Meanwhile, the purchase of new helicopters continues to be delayed.
Learning from the lessons of October 7, the IDF is splitting its combat helicopter squadrons today, Tuesday, with some Apache helicopters moving from Ramon Airbase to Ramat David Airbase in the north. In the afternoon, the 'Magic Touch' (190) squadron will transfer 15 combat helicopters, which will fly in formation. The IDF announced that as part of the transfer, there will be noticeable aircraft movement in the country's skies.
'The flight was planned in advance as part of the Air Force's plans for 2026, there is no security concern,' said the IDF spokesperson.
The Air Force has recently found itself with very few combat helicopters, far fewer than the State of Israel needs. The reason was a long-standing concept that it was possible to cultivate UAV squadrons instead of combat helicopter squadrons. The basis of this thinking was economic: the price of an Apache helicopter is in the range of a small fighter jet like the F-16, and the maintenance cost of a combat helicopter squadron is roughly equal to that of an F-16 squadron.
The October 7 massacre taught the Air Force that it was greatly mistaken, and the IDF now requires at least three combat helicopter squadrons deployed in the north, south, and center. Currently, the Air Force has two small squadrons with a total of a few dozen helicopters. The Air Force is seeking to purchase new helicopters, but the Ministry of Finance is blocking the orders because the Ministry of Defense did not present an immediate budgetary source, only a future one. Currently, negotiations are underway with the United States to purchase and supply the helicopters to Israel with payments spread over the coming years.
Even after the purchase of new helicopters, the Air Force will include two squadrons instead of three, and each will be composed of half new and half very old helicopters. The 'Dvora' 113 squadron at Ramon is parting today with some of its helicopters, which will head to their new home in the northern 'Magic Touch' squadron.
