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Village Mitzpe Ramon (left) and huge "erosion crater" Makhtesh Ramon south of the airbase

Key Information

Ramon Airbase (Hebrew: בסיס חיל-האוויר רמון (ICAO: LLRM), Basis Hayil-HaAvir Ramon, lit. Ramon Air Force Base) is an Israeli Air Force (IAF) base on the highland of the Negev desert, 50 km south of Beersheba, 20 km northwest of the town Mitzpe Ramon and 17 km away from the Egyptian border to the west. The base and the town got their names from the huge "erosion crater" Makhtesh Ramon south of it. The base is also titled the Negev Airbase or Kanaf 25 (Hebrew: כנף 25, lit. Wing 25), it was formerly known as Matred after a mostly dry stream on it. It is home to several squadrons of fighter jets and attack helicopters, and has two runways measuring 2,700 and 3,010 meters in length.

History

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Camp David Accords

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The Ramon Airbase was built between 1979 and 1982, together with Nevatim and Ovda Airbase, mainly by US companies in southern Israel – as a replacement for the four Israeli bases on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt that were abandoned after the Camp David Accords in September 1978 (see the map below also).[1][2]

Abandoned Israeli Air Force (IAF) bases on the Sinai Peninsula:

The area for the airbase contained Iron Age sites and a former army firing range, both of which required further investigation before construction began, because of archaeological artifacts and unexploded bombs. The Ramon and Ovda airbases are very similar in their structure and construction.

Fighter jets

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Even before its completion in 1982, Ramon took over some of the aircraft stationed at the former four Sinai bases, on the one hand A-4H/N Skyhawk Ayit light strike fighters and on the other hand F-16A/B Netz fighter jets:

  • Two A-4 Skyhawk Ayit, A-4N and A-4H (left to right), 147 Squadron "Goring Ram", the A-4 was initially based on Ramon
    Two A-4 Skyhawk Ayit, A-4N and A-4H (left to right), 147 Squadron "Goring Ram", the A-4 was initially based on Ramon
  • An F-16A Netz of 116 Squadron "Defenders Of The South", initially based on Ramon also
    An F-16A Netz of 116 Squadron "Defenders Of The South", initially based on Ramon also

From the beginning, the airbase offered space for three squadrons of 25 fighter jets each, which are currently based there:

119 Squadron "Bat"

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The 119 Squadron "Bat" was established in 1956 at Ramat David Airbase and relocated to Tel Nof Airbase in 1957. It was primarily intended for night missions (hence the name "Bat") and initially flew the British-made Gloster Meteor NF.13 (Night Fighter) and the French-made Sud SO-4050 Vautour. In the 1960s, the Dassault Mirage IIICJ Shahak followed, in the 1970s, the US-made F-4E Phantom II Kurnass, and from 1989 onwards, the Kurnass 2000, further developed in cooperation with Israeli companies.[7]

In 2004, all F-4Es were decommissioned and the squadron at Tel Nof Airbase was closed. In January 2005, the "Bat" squadron was reopened at Ramon Airbase and received the new F-16I Sufa jet, adapted to Israeli needs and based on the two-seat F-16D (Block 50/52 Plus) of the USAF.

Since its founding, the 119 Squadron "Bat" has been considered one of the elite squadrons of the Israeli Air Force, always equipped with the latest and most powerful fighter aircraft of its time, such as the F-16I Sufa.

201 Squadron "The One"

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The 201 Squadron "The One" was established in 1956 during the Suez Crisis at Lod Airbase (now Ben Gurion Airport) and initially flew the French-made Dassault Mystère IV. In September 1969 – at the height of the War of Attrition with Egypt – it was the first Israeli squadron to receive the US-made F-4E Phantom II Kurnass at Hatzor Airbase. In 1988, the squadron moved to Tel Nof Airbase and received the improved Kurnass 2000 from 1989.[8][9]

After all F-4Es were decommissioned in 2004, the squadron at Tel Nof was temporarily closed. In July 2008, "The One" squadron was reopened at Ramon Airbase and became the fourth and last of the Israeli Air Force to receive its F-16I Sufa jets. In addition to the three squadrons at Ramon, there is also the 107 Squadron "Knights Of The Orange Tail" at Hatzerim Airbase with these jets.

In April 2020, a memorial to the 201 Squadron "The One", featuring a restored F-4E Phantom II Kurnass, was opened outside the gates of the airbase. The jet had flown for the squadron during the Yom Kippur War and spent many decades in the storeroom of the IAF Museum near Hatzerim Airbase. After a lengthy renovation process, the Kurnass was finally transported here from Hatzerim.[9]

253 Squadron "Negev"

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The 253 Squadron "Negev" was established in 1976 at Hatzor Airbase and subsequently relocated to Eitam Airbase in northern Sinai, then under Israeli control. At this time, it flew the Israeli-built IAI Nesher and, from 1980, the Dassault Mirage IIICJ Shahak, which were taken over from other squadrons. In 1981, it moved to the newly built Ramon Airbase and soon received F-16A/B Netz jets.[10]

In 2003, the squadron at Ramon was temporarily disbanded and its remaining F-16A/B jets were transferred to the 116 Squadron "Defenders of the South" at Nevatim Airbase. In February 2004, it became the first of four squadrons of the Israeli Air Force to receive the new F-16I Sufa, adapted to Israeli needs. Each squadron received 25 of these jets.

On 6 September 2007, two F-16I Sufa jets of the "Negev" squadron took part in Operation Outside the Box, the attacking and destroying of an almost completed nuclear reactor in Syria. See also here.[11][12][13][14]

Attack helicopters

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After the Ramon Airbase had been a pure jet fighter base in the first years after its completion, it was expanded towards the end of the 1980s by the construction of a heliport to accommodate attack helicopters, which began arriving from the USA in 1990.

113 Squadron "Hornet"

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The 113 Squadron "Hornet" or "Wasp" was founded in 1955 as a jet fighter squadron at Hatzor Airbase and equipped with French-made Dassault Ouragan jets. In 1973, these were replaced by Israeli-built IAI Nesher and then in 1976 by improved IAI Kfir jets. The squadron was closed in 1986, but reopened in September 1990 at Ramon Airbase with AH-64A Apache Peten attack helicopters from the USA. From 2005 onwards, these were replaced by improved AH-64D Apache Longbow Saraf, and their AH-64As were passed on to the 190 Squadron at Ramon.[15][16]

190 Squadron "Magic Touch"

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The 190 Squadron "Magic Touch" was established in 1980 at Palmachim Airbase with MD 500 Defender multi-role helicopters. In 1995, it relocated to Ramon Airbase and became the second attack helicopter squadron in the Israeli Air Force to receive the AH-64A Apache Peten. In 2005, it also received all AH-64As from the 113 Squadron, which converted to the advanced AH-64D Apache Longbow Saraf.[17]

Operation Outside the Box

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On 6 September 2007, in Operation Outside the Box, four F-16I Sufa jets from Ramon – two of the "Bat" and two of the "Negev" squadron – and four F-15I Ra'am of the "Hammers" squadron from Hatzerim Airbase attacked an almost completed nuclear reactor in Syria and destroyed it in order to prevent Syria from building its own nuclear bombs. More than ten years later, on 21 March 2018, Israel officially admitted the attack.[11][12][13][14]

  • Four F-15I (front) and four F-16I, like the ones which carried out the attack, during an exercise in April 2021
    Four F-15I (front) and four F-16I, like the ones which carried out the attack, during an exercise in April 2021
  • The Syrian nuclear reactor before and after destruction by Operation Outside the Box in 2007
    The Syrian nuclear reactor before and after destruction by Operation Outside the Box in 2007
  • Pilot and navigator (WSO) are getting out of their F-16I at Ramon Airbase after the operation in 2007
    Pilot and navigator (WSO) are getting out of their F-16I at Ramon Airbase after the operation in 2007
  • The badge of Operation Outside the Box, which was subsequently attached to the jets involved
    The badge of Operation Outside the Box, which was subsequently attached to the jets involved

Today

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In the heart of the Negev desert lies one of the most active and powerful bases of the IAF. Equipped with three squadrons of F-16I Sufa fighter jets and two squadrons of AH-64A/D Apache (Longbow) Peten/Saraf attack helicopters, the Ramon Airbase is able to respond to and combat threats of all kinds around the clock. The weapons systems used are always ready for use and kept up to date.[18][19]

To ensure the success of missions, constant training is essential, both day and night. The extensive areas of the Negev desert in the vicinity of the airbase offer the best conditions for this, e.g. in and around the huge erosion crater Makhtesh Ramon, which begins a few kilometers to the south (see photo in the gallery below). International partners with their fighter jets are regularly invited to take part in exercises, e.g. in the Blue Flag exercise that takes place every two years at the Ovda Airbase about 90 kilometers to the south, which itself was only home to one aggressor training squadron.[20]

  • Mount Ardon in the middle of the Makhtesh Ramon, ideal training area for IAF jets and helicopters
    Mount Ardon in the middle of the Makhtesh Ramon, ideal training area for IAF jets and helicopters
  • ATC Tower at Ramon Airbase in 2018
    ATC Tower at Ramon Airbase in 2018
  • Change of command ceremony at Ramon Airbase in June 2020
    Change of command ceremony at Ramon Airbase in June 2020
  • IAF commander Tomer Bar (centre) inducts new Ramon commander Nadav Bar (left), August 2024
    IAF commander Tomer Bar (centre) inducts new Ramon commander Nadav Bar (left), August 2024

New attack helicopters

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An AH-64E Apache Guardian of the US Army above Germany in August 2024

For many years there have been considerations of purchasing new AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters from Boeing, but this has so far failed due to the costs.[21][22] At the same time, the IAF's UAVs have been constantly developed and improved, as are those stationed at the Palmachim Airbase, among others. These UAVs have major advantages over helicopters when they do not have to be used for transport: they are much cheaper to purchase and maintain, have a greater range and endurance and the lives of pilots are not put at risk. In other countries, too, there are now considerable doubts as to whether attack helicopters are still effective and state of the art.[23][24]

On 20 September 2025, it was surprisingly announced that Israel would purchase an additional 30 new AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters, which would nearly double their number. This $3.8 billion share is part of a $6 billion arms deal with the United States, for which the Trump administration has already signaled its approval to the US Congress. However, the weapons would not be delivered for at least two to three years.[25][26] It has not been announced whether the new attack helicopters will also be stationed on Ramon, which would have to be expanded. Another possible location would be Hatzerim Airbase, 50 kilometers further north. It already has a heliport and a squadron of UH-60 Black Hawk Yanshuf transport helicopters was stationed there until it relocated to Palmachim Airbase in 2015.

Secret long-range reconnaissance UAV

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In mid-October 2024, leaked documents revealed the existence of a top-secret Israeli long-range reconnaissance UAV. The documents had emerged in connection with preparations for a military counterattack on Iran. The secret stealth UAVs are said to be stationed at the Ramon Airbase and to be able to reach Iran undetected from there. For some time now, satellite images of Ramon had shown two newly constructed secured areas next to the northern runway that could be suitable for this (30°46′54″N 34°40′18″E / 30.781771°N 34.671754°E / 30.781771; 34.671754 (=Unknown aircraft at the Ramon Airbase)). There are several hangars and various smaller buildings in these, which indicate that aircraft of an unknown type are housed there.[27][28]

At the end of October 2024, a video was released showing a mysterious stealth UAV off the coast of South Lebanon.[29][30] The presumably Israeli aircraft, dubbed "RA-01" by military experts, bears a resemblance to the secret US UAV RQ-180,[31] of which exist only a few snapshots also. Israel's classified UAVs are officially stationed in two squadrons at Ramat David Airbase southeast of Haifa.

More UAV hangars

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During 2025, the latest satellite imagery of Ramon revealed another facility under construction north of the runways, which could soon house even more UAVs (see satellite view on Google Maps: 30°46′47″N 34°39′52″E / 30.779604°N 34.664522°E / 30.779604; 34.664522 (New UAV hangars at Ramon Airbase)). This is further evidence that the IAF will rely primarily on UAVs in the future, at the expense of attack helicopters.

Units

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Note: IAF aircraft can usually be assigned to their squadron by the symbols on the tail

Accidents and incidents

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An identical Nord Noratlas transport aircraft at the IAF Museum near Hatzerim Airbase
  • In May 1983, an F-15D Eagle Baz and an A-4 Skyhawk Ayit collided in mid-air during an exercise over the Negev Desert in southern Israel. While the A-4 pilot ejected, the two-seat F-15D managed to land safely at the nearby Ramon base, although its right wing was almost completely torn off in the collision. This was only possible because the F-15 pilot turned on the afterburners, compensating for the lack of lift. The landing took place at about twice the normal speed, and the jet only came to a stop shortly before the end of the runway.[34]
  • On 19 July 2006, during the Second Lebanon War, an F-16I Sufa of the 119 Squadron "Bat" crash-landed on the Ramon runway. The pilot and navigator were rescued, but the aircraft was so badly damaged that it could not be repaired.[35]
  • On 10 November 2010, an F-16I Sufa of the 119 Squadron "Bat" crashed over the Makhtesh Ramon during an exercise. The pilot and navigator died in the crash. It was the second crash of this type of aircraft in the IAF.[36]
  • On 5 October 2016, an F-16I Sufa from 119 Squadron crashed while landing at the base. As a result of the crash, the pilot was killed. The navigator saved himself with the ejector seat and was only slightly injured.[37]
  • On 7 August 2017, an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter crashed right at the Ramon Airbase while returning from an exercise and after reporting a technical fault. One pilot was killed and the other seriously injured. As a result, all IAF Apaches were grounded for almost two months. The reason for the crash was determined to be the failure of a control joystick.[38][39]
  • On 10 February 2018, an F-16I Sufa of 201 Squadron "The One" was shot down by the Syrian air defenses after conducting an air raid on Iran-backed positions inside Syrian territory. The pilot and the navigator could eject and were injured. The jet crashed into a hillside near kibbutz Harduf in northern Israel, which lost its first warplane in 35 years by hostile action. An investigation revealed that the downing of the jet could have been avoided if the pilot had focused more on evading the incoming missile and not just on hitting his target.[40][41]
  • During the Iranian attack on Israel in the night of 13-14 April 2024, four of nine ballistic missiles that overcame Israeli air defenses hit the airbase without causing any publicly known damage.[42]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ramon Airbase

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ramon Airbase, officially designated as Wing 25 (Kanaf 25) of the , is a airfield located in the central desert highlands of southern , approximately 50 kilometers south of and 20 kilometers northwest of , at an elevation of 648 meters above sea level. Constructed primarily by the Corps of Engineers between 1979 and 1982 as a strategic replacement for Israeli bases evacuated from the following the 1979 Egypt-Israel peace treaty, the facility features three runways and supports advanced fighter operations essential to Israel's southern aerial defense perimeter. Inaugurated in May 1982, it has since hosted multiple squadrons equipped with F-16I Sufa multirole fighters, including the 119th "Bats" Squadron for and strike missions, the 201st "The One" Squadron for air superiority, and the 253rd "Negev" Squadron for long-range interdiction, alongside helicopter units such as the 113th "Hornet" Squadron operating AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. The base's establishment reflected causal imperatives of post-peace treaty geography, relocating assets from vulnerable Sinai positions to defensible inland terrain amid ongoing threats from regional adversaries, thereby enhancing operational resilience without reliance on contested territories. In recent years, Ramon has demonstrated its tactical value during defensive engagements, such as intercepting and drone incursions from and in , underscoring its role in layered air defense systems integrated with 's broader shield architectures. While primary sources from the affirm its ongoing centrality to southern vector operations, independent assessments note the facility's evolution from initial F-16 deployments to hosting upgraded variants optimized for precision strikes and electronic warfare.

Overview

Location and Infrastructure

Ramon Airbase is situated in the southern Desert of , southwest of and near the town of . The facility's geographic coordinates are approximately 30°46′34″N 34°40′00″E, with an elevation of 650 meters (2,133 feet) above . The airbase, formerly known as Matred, features three parallel runways, each measuring 3,050 meters in length, designed to support diverse operations. Infrastructure includes hardened shelters for aircraft, maintenance hangars, and support facilities tailored for fighter jets, attack helicopters, and specialized ground units such as long-range anti-tank forces. These elements enable sustained operational readiness in the arid environment, with the base's design accommodating the relocation of assets from previously held territories.

Strategic Role in National Defense

Ramon Airbase, situated in the southern Desert under the 's Southern Command, plays a pivotal role in defending 's southern flank against threats originating from the , , and beyond. Its remote location facilitates rapid aerial patrols and intercepts, contributing to the maintenance of air superiority in a region vulnerable to rocket attacks, drone incursions, and threats from groups like and the Houthis. The base's infrastructure supports quick-reaction operations, as evidenced by proposals during heightened tensions to reposition assets there for reduced response times to southern border incidents. Established in the early 1980s following Israel's withdrawal from Sinai airfields after the 1979 , Ramon Airbase was developed to preserve forward-operating capabilities near the Egyptian border without relying on extraterritorial facilities. This relocation ensured continuity in southern air defense, compensating for the loss of bases like those in the Sinai by providing hardened runways and dispersal options that enhance survivability against preemptive strikes. The base's allows for integration of manned fighters with unmanned systems, including loitering munitions and long-range drones, extending Israel's and strike reach into hostile territories. In broader national defense, Ramon exemplifies the Israeli Air Force's emphasis on force dispersal and resilience, reducing vulnerability to concentrated attacks on central assets. It has been targeted in recent Iranian missile barrages, underscoring its perceived value to adversaries and the effectiveness of Israel's multilayered defenses in protecting it. Ongoing operations from the base include routine enforcement of no-fly zones over the and support for ground forces in efforts, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of Israel's posture.

Historical Development

Establishment Post-Camp David Accords

The Camp David Accords, signed on September 17, 1978, by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, and mediated by U.S. President Jimmy Carter, laid the framework for Israel's phased withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula captured in the 1967 Six-Day War. This culminated in the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty of March 26, 1979, mandating complete Israeli evacuation by April 25, 1982, including the abandonment of four key IAF airbases in Sinai: Ophira (Sharm el-Sheikh), Eilat, Eitam, and Santa Katarina. To preserve operational continuity and southern air defense capabilities amid the loss of these strategically positioned facilities, Israel initiated construction of replacement bases in the Negev Desert, with U.S. assistance stipulated in the accords to offset the military disadvantages of withdrawal. Ramon Airbase, officially designated Kanaf 25, was constructed between 1979 and 1982 in the central near , approximately 20 kilometers north of the Ramon Crater, selected for its remote location offering protection from potential threats while enabling coverage of southern borders. The project was executed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in coordination with Israeli contractors, including a led by Guy F. Atkinson Company and Dillingham Corporation, focusing on hardened runways, hangars, and support infrastructure capable of sustaining fighter squadrons relocated from Sinai. Construction emphasized rapid deployment and resilience, with the base designed to house advanced operations despite the challenging terrain and logistical hurdles. The base achieved operational readiness with construction completion on April 24, 1982, followed by inauguration on May 19, 1982, shortly after the final Sinai handover, enabling immediate transfer of units such as the 253rd Squadron to maintain IAF presence in the . This establishment ensured no critical gap in 's aerial deterrence and reconnaissance over the and approaches, aligning with the accords' security provisions that restricted Egyptian military buildup in Sinai while bolstering Israeli compensatory assets.

Squadron Relocations and Early Operations

As part of the Israeli Air Force's redeployment from Sinai Peninsula bases following the Camp David Accords, the 140th Squadron ("Golden Eagle"), equipped with A-4H/N Skyhawk Ayit aircraft, relocated to Ramon Airbase in November 1981. This move positioned the squadron to conduct the IAF's fighter operational training unit (OTU) courses at the new facility, utilizing the base's infrastructure ahead of its formal inauguration. The squadron's presence facilitated initial testing and adaptation to the Negev's operational environment, including high-altitude training suited to the base's elevated location. In April 1982, the 253rd Squadron transferred from Eitam Airbase in Sinai to Ramon, bringing its fighter capabilities to bolster southern defense assets as Israel prepared to complete its withdrawal from the peninsula. This relocation ensured continuity of air operations previously staged from forward Sinai positions, with the squadron maintaining readiness for potential threats along 's southern borders. The base's inauguration ceremony in May 1982 symbolized the culmination of these transfers, enabling the full operational integration of relocated IAF units into Negev-based infrastructure developed with U.S. assistance. Early operations at Ramon emphasized rapid achievement of , with squadrons conducting sorties, evaluations, and defensive patrols to validate the base's role in national air defense. Designated operational shortly after opening, the facility supported IAF efforts to offset the loss of Sinai airfields by enhancing southern operational depth and resilience against regional adversaries. These initial activities laid the groundwork for Ramon's evolution into a key hub for fighter and later helicopter units.

Evolution of Aircraft and Capabilities

Following its activation in 1982 as a replacement for bases evacuated under the , Ramon Airbase initially hosted operations with A-4 Skyhawk Ayit from 147 Squadron, emphasizing and training missions in the southern region. Concurrently, fighter capabilities were established through units like 116 Squadron equipped with F-16A Netz jets, focusing on air defense against potential threats from and . In the early 1980s, 253 Squadron relocated from Eitam Airbase to Ramon in April 1982, bringing interceptor roles initially supported by and fighters before transitioning to advanced multi-role platforms. This period marked the base's foundational emphasis on rapid response and tactical interception, leveraging the Negev's terrain for low-level training and southern frontier patrols. By the early 2000s, aircraft evolution accelerated with the retirement of older jets like the F-4 Phantom II from 119 Squadron, which reformed at Ramon and became the first IAF unit to receive the F-16I Sufa in February 2004, featuring Israeli avionics, conformal fuel tanks for extended range, and enhanced precision strike systems. The Sufa's integration improved capabilities for long-range interdiction and electronic warfare, with subsequent adoption by 253 and 201 Squadrons by 2008, enabling integrated operations across air superiority, bombing, and reconnaissance. Parallel developments included the expansion to rotary-wing assets, as 113 Squadron transitioned from fixed-wing jets to AH-64D Longbow attack helicopters around the mid-1990s to 2000s, augmenting ground attack precision with Hellfire missiles and night operations for close support in arid environments. This diversification elevated Ramon's overall capabilities from jet-centric defense to a balanced force structure supporting joint air-ground maneuvers and rapid deployment against dynamic threats.

Current Units and Operations

Fighter Squadrons

Ramon Airbase serves as the home to three fighter squadrons of the Israeli Air Force, all equipped with the F-16I Sufa multirole fighter aircraft: the 119th "Bat" Squadron, the 201st "The One" Squadron, and the 253rd "Negev" Squadron. These units collectively form a critical component of the IAF's southern air defense and strike capabilities, focusing on air superiority, precision ground attacks, and intelligence gathering missions in the Negev region and beyond. The F-16I Sufa variant, customized by Israel Aerospace Industries, features conformal fuel tanks, advanced avionics, and integration with Israeli-developed munitions such as the Spice precision-guided bombs. The 119th Squadron, nicknamed "Bat," transitioned to F-16I operations at Ramon Airbase following earlier service with variants like the RF-4E Phantom II. Established in 1956, it relocated to Ramon in the early as part of the base's expansion to host advanced fighter assets, emphasizing night operations and long-range strikes reflective of its emblem and historical roles. The squadron maintains approximately 25 F-16I aircraft, participating in joint exercises and operational patrols over southern . The 201st Squadron, known as "The One," was reestablished at Ramon in July 2008 as the fourth IAF unit to integrate the F-16I Sufa, drawing on its legacy from the era with F-4 Phantoms. It specializes in multi-role missions, including suppression of enemy air defenses and , with aircraft featuring squadron-specific markings such as the number "1" on the tail. The unit operates around 25 fighters, contributing to the base's rapid response posture against regional threats. The 253rd "Negev" Squadron, activated in 1976, moved to Ramon Airbase in April 1982 following the withdrawal from Sinai bases under the . Equipped with F-16I Sufas since the mid-2000s, it focuses on air-to-ground operations tailored to the arid southern terrain, with a history of intercept and attack roles using earlier types like the Kfir and . The squadron fields about 25 aircraft and has been involved in exercises like Red Flag, enhancing with allied forces.

Attack Helicopter Squadrons

Ramon Airbase hosts two Israeli Air Force attack helicopter squadrons equipped with AH-64 Apache variants, providing close air support, anti-armor operations, and precision strikes in southern defense sectors. The 113th Squadron, known as "The Hornet" or "The Wasp," operates the AH-64D Saraf (Longbow) model, featuring advanced radar and fire control systems for all-weather, night operations. Originally established in 1955 as a fighter unit, it transitioned to helicopters and relocated to Ramon, contributing to missions including border patrols and rapid response in the Negev region. The 190th Squadron, dubbed "Magic Touch," flies the AH-64A Peten variant, emphasizing ground attack and escort roles in desert environments. Based at Ramon since its activation for rotary-wing duties, it supports IAF operations with Hellfire missile engagements and integration. These squadrons maintain high operational tempo, handling daily sorties amid regional threats, with maintenance and training facilities adapted to the arid conditions of the base.

UAV and Reconnaissance Assets

Ramon Airbase hosts classified (UAV) operations for the , primarily involving covert reconnaissance and potential strike missions. Leaked U.S. intelligence assessments from October 2024 reveal that the base facilitated undisclosed UAV activities on October 15-16, including the activation of hangars and operational areas for advanced stealth platforms. These operations contrast with publicly acknowledged UAV squadrons, such as those at , underscoring Ramon's role in sensitive, low-profile missions amid regional threats. Central to these assets is the RA-01, a secretive long-range stealth UAV designated by analysts for its resemblance to high-altitude designs like the U.S. RQ-180. and operational logs link the RA-01 to Ramon, where it supports persistent over contested areas, including and , with capabilities for electronic gathering and precision strikes. Deployment details remain restricted, reflecting Israel's emphasis on technological edge in , though the platform's existence gained attention through unauthorized disclosures rather than official channels. Reconnaissance functions at Ramon have evolved from manned platforms to unmanned systems, integrating real-time with minimal risk to personnel. While historical units like the 119th Squadron operated RF-4E Phantom variants in the 1970s for post-Yom Kippur War imaging, contemporary efforts leverage UAVs for extended endurance and stealth, enabling sustained monitoring of southern borders and beyond without fixed squadron affiliations disclosed publicly. This shift aligns with broader IAF priorities for deniability and operational flexibility in the Negev's remote terrain.

Ground and Special Forces Integration

Ramon Airbase integrates Israeli Air Force capabilities with IDF ground forces chiefly through its two attack helicopter squadrons, which deliver close air support, armed reconnaissance, and precision fire in coordination with maneuvering troops. Squadron 113 ("Hornet"), equipped with AH-64D Apache Longbow (Saraf) helicopters, and Squadron 190 ("Magic Touch"), operating AH-64A Peten models, both base at Ramon and specialize in anti-tank warfare, suppression of enemy air defenses, and real-time battlefield support to enable ground advances. These assets allow for low-altitude, persistent presence over contested areas, bridging air and ground domains by responding to forward observers' calls for immediate strikes on threats like armored vehicles or infantry concentrations. During major engagements, such as the response to the October 7, 2023, incursion, pilots from these squadrons flew extended sorties providing that protected ground units from overrun positions, destroying over hundreds of targets including militants and transport vehicles in the initial hours. This integration relies on joint targeting protocols, where ground commanders relay coordinates via secure links, enabling crews to execute Hellfire missile and cannon attacks with minimal collateral risk. The squadrons' roles extend to armed escort for troop movements and evacuation under fire, enhancing ground force maneuverability in southern theaters proximate to the base. For operations, Ramon's helicopter units offer covert , insertion/extraction cover, and overwatch, as demonstrated in multinational exercises like Juniper Oak where 113 Squadron Apaches secured combat search-and-rescue teams simulating elite unit recoveries. Fighter squadrons at the base, including F-16I Sufa operators, supplement this by conducting coordinated deep strikes and that indirectly bolster through degraded enemy and command nodes, though primary ground integration remains helicopter-centric due to their tactical responsiveness. Such synergies underscore Ramon's strategic positioning for rapid deployment in Negev-border conflicts, with ground officers periodically training at the base to familiarize with air-ground tactics.

Notable Military Operations

Operation Outside the Box (2007)

Operation Outside the Box was an Israeli Air Force airstrike on September 6, 2007, targeting the Al-Kibar nuclear reactor site near Deir ez-Zor in Syria, which intelligence indicated was a plutonium-production facility constructed with North Korean assistance. The operation aimed to prevent Syria from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities, involving a small force of aircraft that penetrated Syrian airspace undetected, dropped precision-guided munitions, and destroyed the facility without Israeli losses. Ramon Airbase played a key role by launching four F-16I Sufa fighter jets from the 253rd "Negev" Squadron, which joined four F-15I Ra'am jets from the 69th "Hammers" Squadron at Hatzerim Airbase. These F-16Is, equipped with GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs, flew northward at low altitudes to evade radar detection, employing electronic countermeasures to suppress Syrian air defenses during the ingress. The combined formation crossed into Syrian territory around midnight, with the Ramon-based jets contributing to the strike package that released 18 bombs on the target within a three-minute window, reducing the reactor to rubble. Post-strike analysis confirmed the site's destruction, with showing the facility's core structures obliterated, halting Syria's covert nuclear program. 's involvement remained unacknowledged until March 2018, when the IDF declassified details, including the squadrons' participation and the operation's success in preempting a strategic without escalation. The 253 Squadron aircraft returned to Ramon intact, demonstrating the base's strategic positioning in southern for long-range missions into hostile airspace.

Contributions to Broader IAF Campaigns

Ramon Airbase has played a pivotal role in the Israeli Air Force's (IAF) execution of offensive operations across diverse theaters, leveraging its squadrons for precision airstrikes, , and missions in response to threats from Gaza, , , and beyond. The base's strategic location in the facilitates rapid deployment against southern and eastern adversaries, contributing to campaigns that emphasize air superiority and targeted neutralization of terrorist infrastructure. Its F-16I Sufa-equipped squadrons, including the 119th, 201st, and 253rd, have routinely conducted sorties involving standoff munitions and electronic warfare, enabling strikes deep into hostile territory while minimizing exposure to defenses. In operations against Syrian targets, Ramon-based F-16I formations have executed multiple airstrikes on Iranian-backed missile production sites and weapons transfer networks, such as a May 2022 raid involving eight aircraft in two four-ship elements that destroyed facilities near . These missions often transit Lebanese airspace, underscoring the base's integration into IAF efforts to degrade proxy capabilities threatening Israel. Similarly, during escalations with , the squadrons have provided suppression of enemy air defenses and of rocket launch sites, aligning with broader IAF strategies to preempt northern border threats. Against Gaza-based groups, Ramon assets have supported major campaigns through sustained aerial barrages and gunship engagements. In the 2023 Iron Swords operation, following Hamas's incursion, the base's 190th Squadron s refueled and rearmed on-site to deliver immediate , while F-16s contributed to over 10,000 target strikes in the initial phases, dismantling command nodes and launch arrays. Attack s like the AH-64D , stationed at Ramon, have focused on urban close support, firing thousands of precision-guided munitions to protect advancing ground forces amid dense . These contributions extend to countering Houthi interceptions from , with the base's fighters intercepting drones and conducting retaliatory strikes as part of multi-axis deterrence. Overall, Ramon's operational tempo has sustained IAF campaign momentum, with its units logging thousands of sorties annually in defensive-offensive postures.

Incidents, Attacks, and Resilience

Aviation Accidents

On 29 April 1964, a Nord 2501D Noratlas transport aircraft (registration 4X-FAD/044) of the Israeli Air Force crashed into a mountain near Ramon Airbase during a local training flight approaching Mitzpe Ramon Airfield, killing all nine crew members on board. On 6 October 2016, an F-16I Sufa fighter jet from the crashed while attempting to land at Ramon Airbase after returning from an operational mission over the . The aircraft caught fire upon touchdown due to an engine malfunction, prompting the crew to eject; the pilot, Roy Mizrahi, was killed after colliding with the canopy during ejection, while the instructor pilot survived with injuries. Investigations pointed to possible asymmetric or issues contributing to the loss of control. On 7 August 2017, an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter from the Israeli Air Force's 113th Squadron crashed at Ramon Airbase during an attempted emergency landing following a training flight, after the crew reported a technical malfunction. The incident, which occurred between runways, resulted in the death of reserve Major David (Dudi) Zohar, the pilot, and serious injuries to the co-pilot; the cause was later determined to be detachment of the rear steering rod due to improper installation during maintenance. The entire Apache fleet was temporarily grounded pending safety reviews.

Enemy Missile and Drone Strikes

In the Iranian ballistic missile barrage launched on April 13-14, 2024, as retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on Iran's in , Iran claimed to have targeted Ramon Airbase among other sites with multiple Emad and missiles, asserting direct hits on runways and infrastructure. However, the (IDF) reported intercepting over 99% of the approximately 300 projectiles, including those aimed at Ramon, with no damage sustained at the base and operations unaffected. Independent analyses aligned with IDF assessments, noting that while some missiles impacted near southern airbases like Nevatim, claims of significant strikes on Ramon lacked corroboration from verified imagery or on-site inspections, suggesting misses or interceptions. On September 24-25, 2024, the , an Iran-backed , claimed a drone strike on Ramon Airbase using a UAV launched from eastern approaches, purporting to ignite fires and evade defenses in coordination with broader attacks following Israeli operations against . Israeli media reported the base as a target, but the IDF stated the drone entered from the east and impacted in the adjacent Arava , outside the facility, with no reported damage, casualties, or disruption to airbase functions; air defenses were activated but the projectile was not intercepted prior to crash. Such claims by groups have historically involved unverified assertions of precision hits, often contradicted by IDF and post-incident surveys showing negligible effects. No confirmed successful enemy or drone strikes have caused operational downtime, losses, or personnel injuries at Ramon Airbase as of October 2025, underscoring the efficacy of Israel's multi-layered air defense systems, including and , in the face of repeated attempts by , its proxies, and during the ongoing regional escalations post-October 7, 2023. Adversary narratives frequently amplify impacts for propaganda, as evidenced by discrepancies between launch data and in prior incidents, while IDF disclosures prioritize empirical outcomes over unverified threats.

Defensive Responses and Lessons Learned

Israeli forces employed a multi-layered air defense architecture, including the for short-range threats, for medium-range missiles, and systems for ballistic missiles, to counter incoming projectiles targeted at Ramon Airbase during the Iranian assault on April 13-14, 2024. In coordination with U.S., British, and Jordanian assets under Operation Iron Shield, approximately 99% of over 300 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles were intercepted before reaching Israeli airspace, with any remnants neutralized domestically; this resulted in negligible damage to the base, as aircraft were preemptively scrambled and dispersed to avoid potential runway impacts. Against persistent Houthi drone and missile incursions from , directed toward the southern region encompassing , the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) achieved a 98% interception rate for over 150 such threats by October 2025, utilizing radar-guided systems and fighter intercepts. However, a Houthi drone evaded detection on September 7, 2025, striking the nearby terminal and injuring one person, which the IDF attributed to a misclassification as a non-hostile track during initial sweeps; subsequent interceptions, such as one near the airport via on September 14, 2025, demonstrated rapid adaptation. Post-incident analyses underscored the efficacy of international alliances and preemptive relocation in preserving operational continuity, while highlighting vulnerabilities to saturation tactics and low-signature drones that could overwhelm sensors. The IDF responded by accelerating deployment of directed-energy systems near critical sites like Ramon to address costlier interceptor expenditures and detection gaps, alongside vows from for escalated retaliatory strikes on aggressor infrastructure in future attacks. These events reinforced the strategic imperative of sustained intelligence sharing and interceptor stockpiles, though critics noted the non-replicability of allied support in isolated scenarios.

Strategic Assessments and Future Outlook

Achievements in Deterrence and Preemption

Ramon Airbase has contributed to Israeli deterrence through its squadrons' participation in long-range strikes that degrade adversary capabilities and signal resolve. On October 26, 2024, F-16I from the base's 201 Squadron "The One" executed multiple waves of airstrikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, including systems and production facilities, in response to prior Iranian aggression. This operation, involving nearly 100 Israeli , demonstrated the IAF's ability to deep into enemy territory, thereby restoring deterrence eroded by Tehran's April 2024 missile barrage. The base's 119 Squadron "Bat," specializing in reconnaissance and precision strikes with F-16I Sufa jets, has supported preemptive actions by providing critical and executing targeted attacks. Its involvement in offensive operations underscores Ramon's role in preempting threats from southern fronts, including Iranian proxies in and . Similarly, 253 Squadron "Negev" F-16Is have bolstered deterrence by maintaining air superiority and conducting interceptor missions against incursions, enhancing Israel's southern flank security. These capabilities, honed through exercises like Red Flag and joint drills, enable rapid deployment of advanced munitions, deterring escalation by adversaries who recognize the risk of swift, precise retaliation. Ramon's infrastructure, including extended runways supporting heavy payloads, facilitates sustained operations that preempt buildup of hostile forces in the Sinai and beyond.

Criticisms and International Perspectives

Adversarial actors, including and its proxies, have portrayed Ramon Airbase as a justifying retaliatory strikes due to its role in operations against regional threats. In April 2024, during 's barrage of over 300 projectiles, at least four ballistic missiles struck the base, inflicting minor damage to infrastructure according to Israeli assessments, while Iranian state-affiliated outlets claimed operational disruptions to F-16 squadrons housed there. Subsequent drone attacks by Iraqi militias in 2024 and Yemeni Houthi forces in 2025 similarly framed the base as a symbol of Israeli aggression, particularly in Gaza and against Iranian interests, with some penetrations evading interception. These incidents have fueled strategic critiques from military analysts regarding the base's southern exposure, arguing that despite hardened facilities and multi-layered defenses like and systems, saturation attacks expose gaps in coverage against low-observable drones and hypersonic threats. Israeli officials, including Defense Minister , have countered such views by emphasizing rapid recovery and the base's deterrence value, warning that any perceived weakness undermines national stability. In broader international discourse, Western allies such as the regard Ramon as essential for Israel's defense posture, facilitating F-16 operations and joint training that bolster regional security against shared adversaries. Criticisms from organizations typically focus on actions writ large rather than specific bases, with no prominent reports singling out Ramon for alleged violations; sources advancing such claims often align with adversarial narratives, potentially reflecting ideological biases rather than independent verification. Palestinian groups like have occasionally identified the base as strategically vital, targeting it in rocket salvos as part of asymmetric responses to blockades and incursions. Overall, the absence of sustained non-adversarial critique underscores the base's integration into accepted norms of allied infrastructure.

Ongoing Developments and Expansions

In response to evolving threats from Iranian ballistic missiles and proxy drone attacks, Ramon Airbase has expanded its facilities for advanced operations. Satellite analysis indicates a segregated section of the base underwent between 2020 and 2023, featuring a new , additional hangars, and supporting to house covert stealth drones such as the RA-01. These enhancements, initially developed in the late amid concerns over Iranian air defenses, reflect a strategic pivot toward persistent and strike capabilities in contested airspace over and . The base's UAV infrastructure supports classified platforms observed conducting missions, including reconnaissance over Syrian territory as recently as June 2025. This expansion aligns with the Israeli Air Force's emphasis on resilient, dispersed operations in the , where Ramon hosts F-16I Sufa squadrons alongside growing unmanned assets. Following Iranian missile impacts on or near base infrastructure during the April 2024 barrage—targeting Ramon alongside Nevatim for its F-16I fleet—the IAF has focused on repairs and hardening measures, including reinforced taxiways and dispersal tactics to maintain sortie generation under fire. Such upgrades, though details remain classified, underscore Ramon's role in southern deterrence amid ongoing Houthi drone incursions. As part of the IDF's broader relocation initiative, Ramon benefits from sustained investments in training complexes and technological integration, enhancing its capacity as a forward-operating hub without specified new squadron activations since 2020.

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