The IAF's Technical Division: The Silent Heroes of the War
An article about the Israeli Air Force's technical division, describing the crucial role of mechanics and technicians in maintaining aircraft during the war that began in October 2023. The article emphasizes that despite an immense sortie load, no Israeli aircraft was lost due to a technical malfunction in three years of combat – an unprecedented achievement. It reviews the division's structure, Israeli maintenance history, and their direct contribution to firepower, casualty evacuation, and the strike on Iran.
A comprehensive article about the Israeli Air Force's technical division, presenting it as a critical factor in the success of the war that began in October 2023. The article opens with the central statistic: despite an immense sortie load – the largest in the force's history – no Israeli aircraft was lost due to a technical malfunction in three years of combat. This is an unprecedented achievement, presented as exceptional compared to other intense wars (Vietnam, Gulf, Afghanistan) where many aircraft were lost due to technical failures. The article reviews the division's structure: first echelon of intensive field maintenance, second echelon of specialized teams (engine, electrical, electronic warfare), and third echelon of elite units IAF 22 and Unit 108, capable of manufacturing components and returning severely damaged aircraft to flight. The Israeli tradition of improvisation and flexibility, originating from the War of Independence, is emphasized. The article attributes to the technical division the ability to generate critical firepower against Hezbollah, evacuate casualties in time using helicopters, and execute the bombing campaign in Iran. It notes that the readiness rate in F-35 squadrons stands at about 90% – double that of the US Air Force. The article praises the mechanics and technicians as "silent heroes" and "muscles of the long arm," while emphasizing that they operated under fire, as air force bases were targets for ballistic missiles from Iran and rockets from Hezbollah and Hamas.