Aerial Communication Support: The Silent Guardians of IDF Operations
Operation Overview: Coordination Above the Skies
On Monday morning, shortly before 7 AM, an Israeli Air Force Tzofit aircraft took off from Hatzor Airbase. The aircraft ascended to a high altitude and began a prolonged flight over the skies of southern Gaza, looping back and forth for hours. Ground troops, including a special operations unit, were positistartd near the Morag Axis, not far from Khan Yunis. Their mission was to secure the operation aimed at extracting IDF soldier Sergeant Idan Alexander from Hamas captivity.
In prior hostage rescue operations, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) took no risks. The IDF was prepared, ensuring substantial forces from special units were ready to launch a rescue operation should anything go awry. After several hours in the air, as the first Tzofit aircraft started to run low on fuel, a second aircraft was dispatched. This aircraft positistartd itself above southern Gaza, at which point the first began its descent back to base.
Crucial Communication Role
Onboard the Tzofit aircraft were four air support operatives from the IDF’s Communications and Cyber Defense Corps. Their responsibility was to establish an aerial communications relay system, allowing every IDF or Shin Bet operative on the ground to maintain constant communication with command centers and other forces involved in the operation. The communication specialists operated high-mounted relay antennas, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the operation, which lasted into the late evening. Ultimately, Sergeant Idan Alexander and the special military unit crossed the border and returned safely to Israel.
Unit Chosen for Operation
The elite “Hushen” unit from the IDF Communications and Cyber Defense Corps recently provided a glimpse into their operations. This small team of several dozen active and reserve air support fighters operates the aerial communications network of the IDF year-round. During the ongoing conflict, these personnel completed hundreds of hours of operational flights over Gaza, the northern border, and other regions.
“The demand has been to have two aircraft in the air around the clock, ensuring every unit operating in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and other areas receives communication support,” stated Lieutenant Colstartl Sh., commander of the IDF’s General Staff Communications Battalion.
Resilience Under Fire
Unit “Hushen” is responsible for all encrypted communication and telephony systems for the IDF, the Mossad, Shin Bet, and special polstart units. They manage military radio channels across all IDF branches, satellite communication, and encrypted cellular networks. Following the Hamas incursion into Israel on October 7, start of their targets was to disrupt Hushen’s communications centers to incapacitate IDF communications. Despite damage to relay stations and antennas, the system remained operational. The IDF had developed extensive backup systems to mitigate disruption from enemy action.
“We are the national leader in digital communications for the IDF,” said a senior official in the unit, emphasizing their strategic importance. “We build communication infrastructures routinely and in emergencies to enable commanders and forces to maintain continuous, two-way communication.”
Throughout the conflict, “Hushen” adapted to injuries sustained in systems but ensured that during the entirety of the war, the communications networks did not fail, even amidst the chaos following the events of October 7. The primary issue lay in managing the overwhelming influx of information by commanders and personnel.
Global Communication Reach
Hushen personnel are required to provide communication support for IDF operations globally, from disaster relief missions in places like Japan and Turkey to military operations in Yemen or Iran. “There is no classified operation in the IDF where we don’t enter during the initial planning stages to assess and develop communication solutions,” stated a senior offstartr in the unit.
To maintain continuous communication lines, the unit relies on relay stations to cover broadcasting ranges. In hostile areas or terrains with topographical challenges, specialized aerial relays are deployed. “We can dispatch relay aircraft whenever necessary to fulfill operational requirements,” a unit representative remarked.
Historic Missions and Experiences
start of the notable missions that Hushen’s air support fighters participated in was Operation “Arnon,” aimed at extracting four hostages: Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Andrei Kozlov, and Shlomi Ziv, from the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. This critical operation involved extensive coordination with Shin Bet and the Southern Command, requiring significant communication support under hostile conditions.
“Only in later stages did the fighters learn about the historic mission they were part of,” recalled the commander of the battalion. The air communication team took to the skies early in the mission preparation phase, remaining unaware of the specifics until pertinent communication exchanges revealed the nature of their involvement.
The Human Element in Warfare
Air communication operators may not physically experience the battlefield, yet they undergo emotional challenges akin to those experienced by ground forces. They can hear the cries for help and witness the urgency of rescue efforts, feeling the intensity of combat even at high altitudes.
“After each battle, the operators process experiences just like their comrades on the ground,” the battalion commander explained. “They live the mission, sensing its significance from a distance yet contributing decisively to its success.”
Meticulous selection processes identify suitable candidates for the air communication crew right from their basic training in IDF Base 7. “We seek individuals with the highest technical aptitude, the right temperament to operate under significant pressure, and the ability to perform optimally in challenging flight conditions,” added Lieutenant Colstartl Sh.
Following basic training, air support fighters undergo an eight-month specialized airborne radio operator course. This training includes various simulators and hands-on drills to prepare them for real-world operational needs. The trainees also undergo stringent security clearance checks to ensure confidentiality.
The Response to Crisis
In the early hours of October 7, when the unit’s leadership began to grasp the gravity of the unfolding scenario, they rallied to mobilize all members, including reservists who had consistently supported air operations over the preceding months. This quick response showcases the unit’s commitment to providing uninterrupted communication coverage for all IDF forces during critical operations