Aviation News – The Israeli Air Force has officially reactivated Squadron 193 at Palmachim Airbase following the arrival of new Sikorsky SH-60F Seahawk helicopters to restore vital maritime defense capabilities.
The reactivation closes an operational gap created in August 2025 when military leadership retired the aging fleet of AS565 Panther helicopters, locally known as the “Atalef”. Originally established to conduct joint operations with the Israeli Navy, the 193rd Squadron stood down temporarily while defense officials prepared for the transition to a larger, more capable platform.
Military leadership formally marked the squadron’s return during an official ceremony on July 28, 2026. The new aircraft, designated “Shalach” in Hebrew, represent a major upgrade in naval support. Three Seahawk airframes have landed in Israel, while Israeli defense companies are actively executing operational integration work and rigorous flight testing on two units before placing them into full service.
The twin-engine SH-60F Seahawk delivers substantial operational upgrades, effectively doubling the range, endurance, and payload capacity over legacy helicopters. Operating in close coordination with naval missile boats, the platform executes critical missions including maritime surveillance, asset protection, and anti-submarine warfare to safeguard strategic coastal infrastructure.
Highlighting the strategic weight of the transition, military leadership emphasized the squadron’s core mission. “The squadron constitutes a central component of the IDF’s air-sea array and expands the operational response in the maritime domain,” the military announced during the reactivation ceremony.
With two additional Seahawks slated to arrive by the end of the year, the unit will rapidly build up its operational readiness. Defense planners are urging military personnel and industrial partners to accelerate testing schedules to ensure full deployment across all maritime mission profiles.
The arrival of the Sikorsky SH-60F Seahawk fleet restores an essential air-sea leg to national defense capabilities. By bridging the gap left by retiring aircraft, Squadron 193 ensures uninterrupted monitoring of vital sea lanes and offshore energy assets. Looking ahead, the enhanced maritime fleet positions the armed forces to adapt effectively to evolving security dynamics across the region.
