7th Wing: The Israeli Air Force's New Special Operations Wing

What is the 7th Wing?

The new wing is a collaboration between the Israeli Air Force’s top special forces units and marks an unprecedented effort to engage in interactive operational efforts between the units. The units will conduct both emergency and routine activity together, with the goal of increasing the military’s overall effectiveness during crises. The wing will enable the Israeli Air Force to take advantage of its wide variety of resources and develop new innovative approaches to threats against Israel.

Why was this new wing formed?

Due to the change and expansion of various threats, the new wing was formed to increase the operational effectiveness of the special forces units within it. The 7th Wing will function as a complementary and unique component of the Israeli Air Force, performing special depth, routine, and emergency operations. The timing of the wing's opening creates an opportunity to enable profound changes and to deal with various challenges in a constantly changing reality.

Which Air Force units are part of this wing?

The 7th Wing will incorporate various Air Force special ground units, including the commando Shaldag Unit, Unit 669, the Forward Landing Unit, a dedicated intelligence unit, and an assigned school for Special Air Force (SAF) combat troops.

When was the 7th Wing established?

The inauguration of the 7th Wing took place on July 12, 2020. The troops that are currently serving in these units will integrate into new positions at the operational headquarters and at the Israeli Air Force's instruction headquarters upon the inauguration. Some sectors, such as the school for the SAF combat troops, will be inaugurated in 2022.

The timing of the wing's opening creates an opportunity for profound change in the Israeli Air Force and to appropriately deal with various challenges in a constantly changing battlefield.

Who will be leading the new 7th Wing?

The 7th Wing will be led by the new Commanding Officer of the Wing, Colonel O. His full identity cannot be disclosed for security reasons. Colonel O will report to the Commanding Officer of the Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin, who announced the upcoming change by saying this:

“We are already in the era of regional change, a pandemic, and a battlefield that is becoming more complex every day. This change has been understood by the commanders. This is the change that requires us to adapt ourselves and to prepare better for the future challenges. After a long and detailed staff process, which underlies operational vision and at the end of the process - there is an enhanced capability that will make our special forces more effective during combat, more influential in terms of air superiority, and part of any process or scenario that takes place in the IAF. Today we move forward to a new chapter in the history of the IAF. We stand on the shoulders of our predecessors who dared and acted—and now we are the ones leading".