Hatzerim Airbase

Hatzerim Airbase is an Israeli Air Force facility located on the northern edge of the Negev desert, six kilometers west of Beersheba. Established in the 1960s, the site became operational on October 3, 1966. It was the first airbase built specifically for the Israeli Air Force rather than utilizing former Royal Air Force infrastructure.

The base hosts several units, including 69 Squadron "Hammers," 102 Squadron "Flying Tiger," and 107 Squadron "Knights Of The Orange Tail." It is the location of the IAF Flight Academy and the IAF Aerobatic Team, and the IAF Museum is situated adjacent to the base. Operational units operate F-15I Ra'am and F-16I Sufa strike fighters. Training operations utilize M-346 Lavi jet trainers, Grob G 120A-I Snunit, and Beechcraft King Air Tzofit aircraft. The IAF Aerobatic Team operates T-6 Texan II Efroni turboprop aircraft.

Infrastructure includes a dedicated heliport and training areas for propeller-driven aircraft. A secured area located east of the central runway contains earth-covered bunkers. This facility is associated with potential nuclear weapons storage, supporting a role in nuclear deterrence through the base's long-range F-15I and F-16I aircraft.