160 Squadron (Israel)

160th Squadron IAF
טייסת 160
Logo of the Squadron
Active	April, 1980 – present
Country	Israel
Allegiance	Israel Defense Forces
Branch	Israeli Air Force
Type	Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron
Role	Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations
Garrison/HQ	Ramat David Airbase
Nickname(s)	'Shadow Hunter Squadron'
Insignia
Medal of recognition for the reopening of 160 Squadron on Ramat David Airbase in 2020
Aircraft flown
Helicopter	AH-1 Cobra

160 Squadron AH-1 Cobra

160 Squadron of the Israeli Air Force (also known as Shadow Hunter Squadron, formerly known as First Cobra or Southern Cobra Squadron) was formed in April 1980.

The squadron initially operated fifteen MD500s and three AH-1S Cobras. In the following year, nine AH-1F Cobras were delivered, followed by eight more in 1985, and four more in 1987. The squadron conducted operations during Operation Peace for Galilee, Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon, but did not initially engage in anti-tank combat, rather serving as close air support. In 2001, Israel acquired 15 AH-1E helicopters from the US Army. As of 2005, the squadron uses exclusively AH-1E/F helicopters.

The squadron was based at Palmachim Airbase.

On 2 August 2013, as part of the IDF's budget cut plans, along with the fact that the Cobra helicopters were considered relatively unsafe with many accidents credited to its operation history, it was closed (along with 140 Squadron "Golden Eagle",)

In 2020, the 160 Squadron was reopened at Ramat David Airbase as Shadow Hunter Squadron, operating classified UAVs.

References

• 160 Squadron - The First Cobra globalsecurity.org
• Palmachim Air Base globalsecurity.org