Palmachim Airbase

Palmachim Airbase is an Israeli Air Force (IAF) facility and spaceport located on the Mediterranean coast west of Yavne, approximately 12 km south of the Gush Dan metropolitan area. Established in the late 1960s by Benny Peled, the site initially served as a testing range for the 151 Squadron to fire rockets and projectiles over the sea. The base expanded its aviation role in 1979 and 1981 with the relocation of helicopter units from Tel Nof.

The facility is jointly operated by the IAF and the Israel Space Agency (ISA). It functions as Israel's primary spaceport, utilizing a launchpad south of the base to deploy Shavit launch vehicles into retrograde orbits. This trajectory avoids overflight of neighboring countries. Recent orbital missions include the launch of the Ofeq-13 reconnaissance satellite in 2023 and the Ofeq-19 in September 2025. The base also houses the Israeli Air Defense Command and operates batteries of Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 interceptor missiles.

Current operations at Palmachim involve multiple rotary-wing and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) units. The 123 and 124 Squadrons operate UH-60 Black Hawk and S-70 helicopters for troop transport and rescue missions. These units support Unit 669, a heliborne combat search and rescue formation. The base also serves as the headquarters for the 7th Special Air Forces Wing, which includes the Shaldag special unit. UAV operations are concentrated in several units, including the 161 Squadron operating Hermes 450s, and the 147 and 166 Squadrons operating Hermes 900s. The 151 Squadron remains active for missile testing.

Infrastructure includes dedicated UAV hangars and a military terminal transferred from the closed Sde Dov Airport in 2019.