IAF Adopts Technology Designed to Prevent Bird Strikes

Posted on December 7, 2011 by idfspokesperson

The Israel Air Force recently installed a radar station on Israel’s northern border; the bird radar is designed to prevent collisions between aircrafts and flocks of birds. Motivated by safety concerns, the IAF hopes the bird radar will prevent future bird strikes. The bird radar—Israel’s third station—will also track bird migration, sending reports to northern border officers.

White storks fly through northern Israel. (Source: birdingisrael.com)

In the past 25 years, approximately ten IAF fighter jets collided with birds, resulting in the death of three pilots.

Israel’s three radar stations also allow researchers to collect data on bird migration. Twice a year, somewhere between 500 million to one billion birds fly through the Middle East, passing through Israel, on their way from Eurasia to Africa and vice versa.

IAF Targets Terrorists Prior to Rocket Launches

Posted on December 7, 2011 by idfspokesperson

A short while ago, IAF aircraft targeted two terrorist squads that were preparing to launch rockets at IDF soldiers from two different locations within the northern Gaza Strip.

Hamas rocket launchers set up and ready to fire

Successful hits were identified, preventing the rocket launches.

The IDF will not tolerate attempts to harm the residents of the State of Israel or IDF soldiers, and will continue to take action against those use terror against the State of Israel. The Hamas, a terrorist organization, is solely responsible for any activity emanating from the Gaza Strip.

Stretching a Helping Hand: IDF Aid Delegations

Posted on December 6, 2011 by idfspokesperson

On December 5, the international community marked International Volunteer Day, a day that recognizes the contribution of volunteers. The IDF values the act of volunteering, and therefore sends its reserve soldiers on search and rescue missions abroad.

Rescue of a Haitian Man from Government Building

IDF reserve soldiers rescue a Haitian man from a government building.

In the past 26 years, Israel has stretched a helping hand to its allies hit by natural disasters, sending 14 aid delegations abroad–from India to Haiti and from Turkey to Japan. Most of the delegations were staffed with reserve soldiers from the Home Front Command‘s Search and Rescue unit and IDF physicians, who established field hospitals upon arrival.

In the past two decades, Israeli medical personnel have saved more than 417 people from certain death, provided medical care to more than 3,700 injured patients and delivered more than 47 babies. All Israeli delegations partnered with local and foreign medical teams in their effort to save lives.

CNN: IDF field hospitals in Haiti were the “only ones operating.” In January 2010, Israel joined the global effort in assisting Haiti’s earthquake victims, treating more than 1,110 patients, completing 319 successful surgeries and delivering 16 births.

Click here to read more about IDF rescuers saving lives all around the world.

Thousands of Sar-El Volunteers Give Back to the IDF

Posted on December 6, 2011 by idfspokesperson

Yesterday marked the tenth anniversary of International Year of Volunteers. On an annual basis, approximately 4,000 Jews and non-Jews from 30 countries fly to Israel and volunteer in the IDF for several weeks. The IDF is grateful for these volunteers who play an important role in handling logistical needs, annually saving the IDF hundreds of thousands of hours in manpower.

The volunteers are organized by Sar-El, the National Project for Volunteers for Israel. Wearing IDF uniforms, volunteers of all ages (18-80) package boxes of food for combat soldiers and tour Israel.

Launched in 1983, Sar-El has since brought more than a hundred thousand volunteers to Israel. Yesterday, the international community also marked International Volunteer Day.

Click here to read more about volunteering to the IDF from all across the world.

Aerial Firefighting Unit Holds Drill, Year After Carmel Forest Fire

Posted on December 1, 2011 by idfspokesperson

The Aerial Firefighting Unit held a two-day drill a year after the deadly Camel forest fire. The Unit was tested in its ability to contain small fires when working with the ‫Israel Fire and Rescue Services‬, Israel Nature and Parks Authority and Jewish National Fund.

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The Backbone of the IDF: Reserve Units Train at Tze’elim

Posted on December 1, 2011 by idfspokesperson

On Wednesday, November 30, a reserve division held a joint-training drill at Tze’elim base; it involved forces from the Israel Air Force, Armored Corps, Paratroopers Brigade and Artillery Corps. After reservists mistakenly fired artillery 100 meters from their own forces, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz halted the exercise and requested an initial inquiry. The drill resumed later that day, but excluded artillery forces.

Addressing the incident at Tze’elim, IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Yoav Mordechai stated that “while drills hold risks, it is our job to reduce them to zero.”

IDF Reserve Units:

Largely composed of soldiers who finished their compulsory service and are under the age of 40.
Called for duty following government decisions, which are influenced by the defense ministry.
Assembled in emergency situations only.
Provide significant and effective contribution during critical missions.
Training is determined by the military and based on security assessments; confirmed by the defense minister and reviewed by the government.