Resurrection of The Phoenix Squadron
In August 2022, the Zroa Ha’Avir Ve Ha’halal (Heyl Ha’Avir, Israeli Air and Space Force) reactivated the 144 Tayeset The Phoenix Squadron at Hatzor air base (Israel).
As part of the new established “Storm Clouds Division”, a division comprised of Unmanned Combat Air Systems (UCAS), the “Phoenix” squadron will be the first unit to operate the Elbit Orbiter 4 Nitzos as new and advanced aircraft in the IAF. The “Storm Clouds Division” with the Hermes 450 Zik as its main asset, is expected to provide capabilities to the aerial and ground units of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) and the Israeli Navy.
The 144 Squadron constitutes a breakthrough for capabilities of the IAF and IDF as a whole and will operate a multi-armed anti-tank missile system.
The squadron was originally surrected as “Guards of the Arava Squadron“ in 1972 flying the IAI Nesher fighter aircraft. In 1978 these were replaced by the IAI Kfir C2. In 1983 the older Kfir C2s were replaced by the IAI Kfir C7. In the period 1995 till 2005, the squadron was renamed as “The Phoenix Squadron” and flew former USAF F-16A/B Netz aircraft from Hatzor AB. In 2005, the squadron was deactivated.
Scramble Magazine reported on 15 November 2020 that the IAF decided to use Hatzor air base for the operation of the UCAS.
The Military Censor allowed Israeli media to publish one of the country’s secrets; the IAF and the IDF uses armed UCAS aircraft as part of its offensive capabilities. Israel has used armed drones to strike numerous targets over the years, as early as in the 2006 War in Lebanon and the 2008 War in the Gaza Strip. The IDF uses several UCAS models, developed by the Elbit Systems and the Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) defence firms, that are capable of launching guided missiles.
In the near future 200 Tayeset The First UAV Squadron flying IAI Heron Shoval aircraft will move to Hatzor to supplement the “Storm Clouds Division”.
Photos by Heyl Ha'Avir and Amit Agronov