Shaldag Unit
| Shaldag | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1974-Present |
| Country |  Israel |
| Branch | Israeli Air Force |
| Type | Commando |
| Size | ~40-50 |
| Garrison/HQ | Palmachim Airbase |
Unit 5101 or Shaldag (Hebrew: יחידת שלדג, Kingfisher Unit) is the Israeli Air Force commando unit, considered one of the IDF elite units. They provide assistance and operate in Counter Terrorism and hostage rescue operations, as well as reconnaissance missions.
They are staged out of Palmachim Airbase[1]; the unit comprises 40-50 soldiers, with five to six teams of eight to nine operators. They are regularly outfitted with M16 or M4A1 assault rifles with the M203 grenade launcher attached. When performing Counter-Terrorist/hostage rescue duties they carry the Sig-Sauer or Glock 9mm series pistols and the Mauser SR 82/66 sniper rifle[2].
The Unit was founded in 1974 following the Yom Kippur War. Initially operating as a Sayeret Matkal reserve company, it was eventually transferred to the Air Force.
Known operations
- Operation Moses
- Lebanon conflict: Operation Accountability and Operation Grapes of Wrath, for which it was awarded the Chief of Staff Award
- Second Lebanon War: Operation Sharp and Smooth[3]
References
- ^ "Palmachim / Yavne - Israel Airfields". Retrieved 2007-12-07.
- ^ "Israel's Unit 5101". Retrieved 2007-12-07.
- ^ Katz, Yaakov. "USATODAY.com - Israeli commando missions come out of shadows". Retrieved 2007-12-07.