🇮🇱 Ramat David Air Base

Ramat David Airbase (LLRD) is an Israeli Air Force (IAF) base located 20 km southeast of Haifa in the Jezreel Valley, Israel. It is the northernmost IAF base with fighter jets and UAVs.

Type of facility and operations:

• It is an active military airbase operated by the Israeli Air Force.
• The base houses fighter jets (F-16C/D Barak) and classified UAVs for Electronic Warfare (EW).
• It has three asphalt runways, each approximately 2.5 km long, and a heliport.
• Fighter jets are housed in large underground hangar systems and shelters for protection and concealment.
• The Iron Dome defense system is also stationed at Ramat David to protect against rockets.

Notable features or history:

• Established in 1942 by the Royal Air Force (RAF) under the British Mandate for Palestine.
• Roald Dahl mentioned landing his RAF Hawker Hurricane Mk.I at Ramat David in June 1941, describing it as a secret airstrip.
• In May 1948, the Royal Egyptian Air Force mistakenly attacked the base, resulting in British casualties and aircraft destruction, before it was taken over by the IDF.
• During the Yom Kippur War in 1973, it was the only airbase hit by rockets, causing damage and casualties.
• The base has been targeted by rocket fire from Iran and Hezbollah, with the Iron Dome intercepting most incoming missiles.
• Jewish paratroopers trained at Ramat David during WWII for special operations behind enemy lines.
• It was home to the IAF's first fighter jet squadron (117 Squadron) in 1953, which later operated French Dassault Mirage IIICJ Shahak and F-16A/B Netz, and participated in Operation Opera.

Current status:

• Ramat David remains an active and strategically important IAF base.
• There are long-standing plans to convert Ramat David into an international airport for Haifa and northern Israel, with a 2023 study prioritizing it for a major airport.
• In July 2025, Israel's National Planning and Construction Council approved a review of plans for two international airports, including Ramat David.
• The 193 Squadron "Defenders of the West," operating Eurocopter AS565 Panther Atalef, is scheduled to close on August 31, 2025, with its relocation indicating potential preparation for civilian conversion.

*Sources researched: en.wikipedia.org, globalsecurity.org, globalmilitary.net, airports-worldwide.com*