(VIDEOS AND PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Members of the Israel Air Force’s elite 669 airborne rescue unit took part in Operation Sky Angels 2018, as soldiers from a number of countries came to Israel to participate in the exercise, which aims to simulate the rescue of pilots from enemy territory. The forces jointly practiced ground evacuation, vehicular operations, along with training in urban settings and aerial rescue led by 669.

Rescue forces from six countries arrived in Israel last week to participate in the first international rescue exercise led by the Israel Air Force’s special unit. The aim of the “Sky Angels” exercise is to simulate rescue scenarios in the context of a multi-casualty events and the rescue of pilots who ejected.

In the exercise, the forces simulated defensive and attack scenarios with a squadron under threat of the enemy fire, aerial scenarios between forces and various rescue missions including ground evacuation, vehicular exercises, urban rescue and helicopter training. In the exercise, various squadrons took part in a force of transport and combat helicopters led by the special aerial forces. The exercise took place at the training facility of Unit 669, a warfare center built on the Palmachim base and in various other sites on the grounds there.

Included were a special IAF squadron and the IAF’s Yasur (CH-53) helicopter squadron. The chopper squadron has been active in all of Israel’s wars and in many operations. As part of the exercise, the forces conducted a joint battle and joint missions, while studying and improving the professional level. Hence, the training event carries strategic importance to the air force. International cooperation enables training with armies that extract, handle, and analyze scenarios differently, thus contributing to the challenge and learning of all sides along with increased mutual cooperation between the armies.

669 exercised with troops from the United States, Croatia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Holland and Italy.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem / Photo Credit: IDF Spokesman Unit)