Tel Aviv: The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has modified its combat protocols as a result of an investigation into the force’s part in the fighting that followed the October 7 Hamas attack on Israeli towns.
The major protocol modifications are aimed at improving base protection and quick reaction times. With an emphasis on minimising ground infiltrations and enhancing operational readiness, these improvements addressed vulnerabilities shown during the surprise attack.
In order to respond quickly to border threats, the IAF formed a specialised base-defence unit under Wing 7, combining elite soldiers from Shaldag and Unit 669. This unit, which is a direct result of post-October 7 modifications, activates automatically upon war declarations and sends out helicopters to neutralise attackers within an hour.
Internal investigations uncovered “critical errors” that allowed Hamas to initially overrun sites along the border with little opposition. These included missing real-time signals from Gaza, a lack of border fortifications at crucial bases, and inadequate air-ground integration. Later, the IAF came under fire for failing to successfully combat Hamas paragliders and drones.
The new protocols include the formation of a new “Participation and Borders Air Group” for real-time border surveillance, a 250% increase in aerial preparedness, and a rapid-response unit to stop potential ground invasions within an hour.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
