Skip to main content

Israel-Gaza War, IDF

IDF rebuilds aerial defense battalion in effort to reinforce protection of the country and the IDF

The 139th Battalion, closed down in 2021 after 53 years of service, has been reconstituted as part of a general effort to beef up Israeli aerial defense.

Ceremony reopening the 139th aerial defense battalion. background
Ceremony reopening the 139th aerial defense battalion.
Photo: IDF Spokesperson

Yesterday (Monday), the Air Force conducted a ceremony reconstituting the 139th Air Defense Battalion, in the presence of Air Force commander Major General Tomer Bar, Aerial Defense Array commander Brig.-Gen. Gilad Biran, as well as former and current commanders of the unit.

The 139th was originally charged with operating Hawk and Yahalom defense systems and was disbanded in 2021.

Following October 7 and the subsequent missile and rocket threats in both north and south, the army decided it needed to rebuild the 139th to further strengthen Israel's aerial defenses. The battalion will work with the Iron Dome system.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Join our newsletter to receive updates on new articles and exclusive content.

We respect your privacy and will never share your information.

Follow Us

Never miss a story