Lessons of October 7 – IDF transfers equipment from south to north

The IDF is transferring 15 Apache helicopters from the southern base of Mitzpe Ramon to the northern Ramat David base due to a shortage of combat aircraft. The events of October 7 forced the Air Force to reconsider its strategy of reducing the helicopter fleet in favor of drones, which could not fully replace them. The army needs at least three squadrons, but currently has only two truncated ones. The Ministry of Finance is delaying orders, demanding funding sources be specified. Talks with the US continue.

The Israeli Air Force command is revising its strategy after the events of October 7, acknowledging the error of its previous course to reduce the combat helicopter fleet in favor of cheaper drones. Real combat operations showed that drones cannot fully replace attack helicopter aviation. To rectify the situation, the IDF is transferring some Apache helicopters from Squadron 190 ("Magic Touch") from the southern Mitzpe Ramon base to the northern Ramat David base. The transfer involves 15 combat aircraft, causing increased air activity over the country. For full coverage of key directions, the Air Force needs at least three squadrons (for the southern, central, and northern sectors), but currently the army has only two truncated units. The main obstacle to replenishing the fleet remains financial disputes: operating an Apache squadron costs comparably to maintaining F-16 fighters. The Ministry of Finance is delaying new orders, demanding that the Ministry of Defense specify concrete funding sources in the current budget. Talks with the US on purchases continue, but even if successful, units will long be equipped with a mixed fleet of new and outdated aircraft.