Missile Test Unit (Israel)
| Missile Test Unit 151 | |
|---|---|
| יחידת ניסוי טילים 151 | |
| Active | 1967 - Present[1] |
| Country | Israel |
| Branch | Israeli Air Force |
| Role | Missile testing |
| Garrison/HQ | Palmachim Airbase |
| Nickname | Yanat |
| Mottos | "מכוונים גבוה, מגיעים רחוק" transl. "Aim high, reach far" |
Missile Test Unit 151 (יחידת ניסוי טילים) abbreviated as Unit 151 or 151 Squadron, is a unit of the Israeli Air force that performs tests of missiles (such as the Arrow missile system[2]) and other kinds of weapons, including directed-energy systems.[3][4] They are based at Palmachim Airbase.[5] The unit is also responsible for launching satellites into orbit,[6] including the classified Ofek system.
History
In 1969, the unit's test range at what is now the Palmachim Airbase (referred to as "Yanat", also a nickname for the unit itself)[7] was established in the middle of the country.[1] The location was chosen so that rocket launches could travel out across the Mediterranean Sea and avoid the risk of accidentally sparking a conflict with Israel's neighboring countries.[8]
In 1991, Israeli military hero Shimshon Rozen took command of the unit.[9]
In June 2010, the Missile Test Unit participated in the launch of the Ofek 9 spy satellite, which flew to orbit from the unit's base.[7]
Starting in 2016, some functions of the unit were outsourced to private entities.[10]
In June 2021, the unit said that they had successfully shot down drones with a directed-energy weapon.[4]
References
- ^ a b Opall-Rome, Barbara (December 4, 2017). "An inside look at Israel's missile test range". Defense News. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ "יחידת ניסוי הטילים חושפת: מאחורי הקלעים של יירוט במערכת החץ - וואלה חדשות". וואלה (in Hebrew). October 1, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ Gross, Judah Ari (June 21, 2021). "In test, Defense Ministry shoots down drone with plane-mounted laser". The Times of Israel. ISSN 0040-7909. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ a b Tingley, Brett (June 21, 2021). "Israel Has Shot Down Drones With An Airborne High-Power Laser". The War Zone. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ "N12 - הצצה לבסיס הטילים הסודי של צה"ל". N12. December 28, 2009. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ "The Israeli Air Force : How Does the IAF Test its Weapons Systems?". www.iaf.org.il. Archived from the original on June 25, 2017. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ a b Katz, Yaakov (April 26, 2011). "Their eyes behold the nation | The Jerusalem Post". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ "Palmachim: an airbase within a nature reserve | The Jerusalem Post". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. September 18, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ "Shimshon Rozen: One of Israel's finest airmen | The Jerusalem Post". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. December 22, 2011. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ "Defense Ministry to outsource IDF's Missile Test Unit operations". Ynetnews. November 7, 2016. Retrieved September 4, 2025.