Hatzor Airbase (RAF Qastina)

Hatzor Airbase, designated Wing 4, is located in Israel's Southern District near Kibbutz Hatzor Ashdod. The facility was established in 1942 as RAF Qastina by the Royal Air Force. During the British Mandate, it hosted squadrons operating Dakota and Halifax aircraft. In February 1946, the airfield was targeted during the "Night of the Airplanes" by Irgun militants, resulting in the destruction of several parked Halifax bombers. The Israel Defense Forces took control of the base in March 1948 following the British evacuation.

The base historically served as a primary station for Israeli fighter squadrons, including the 101, 105, 113, and 201 Squadrons. It transitioned from operating piston-engine aircraft like the Avia S-199 and P-51 Mustang to jet aircraft such as the Dassault Mystère IV A, Mirage IIICJ, and later the F-4E Phantom II and F-16C/D. Hatzor was the landing site for two high-profile desertions: an Egyptian Yak-11 in 1964 and an Iraqi MiG-21 in 1966 during Operation Diamond. Due to its location between two streams, the base has a history of flooding, with a major event in 2020 causing damage to F-16 aircraft and defense systems.

Following the relocation of its remaining F-16 squadrons to Ramat David Airbase in 2021, Hatzor ceased hosting manned fighter aircraft. Current operations focus on maritime patrol, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and missile defense. Stationed units include the 100 Squadron, which operates Beechcraft King Air and Bonanza patrol aircraft; the 200 Squadron, operating Heron 1 UAVs; and the 144 Squadron, which operates the Spark Nitsot (Orbiter 4) UAV. The base also houses a battery of the Iron Dome system and two batteries of the David’s Sling missile defense system.