| Unit 5101 "Shaldag" | |
|---|---|
| יחידת שלדג | |
 The Shaldag Insignia | |
| Active | 1974–present |
| Country |  Israel |
| Branch |  Israeli Air Force |
| Type | Sayeret |
| Part of | 7th Special Air Forces Wing |
| Garrison/HQ | Palmachim Airbase |
| Motto(s) | זן נדיר, ציפור משונה (Rare kind, strange bird.) |
| Engagements | Operation Litani 1982 Lebanon War South Lebanon conflict First Intifada Second Intifada Operation Orchard 2014 Gaza War Israel–Hamas war |
| Insignia | |
| Emblem Unit |  |
Unit 5101, more commonly known as Shaldag[1] (Hebrew: שלדג, Kingfisher), is one of the premier Israeli Air Force (IAF) Sayeret units. The unit is part of the 7th Special Air Forces Wing and is based in the Palmachim Airbase. The unit is led by an officer at the rank of lieutenant colonel.[2]
It specializes in clandestine operation, combat search and rescue, commando style raids, hostage rescue, irregular warfare, long-range penetration, military intelligence operations, special operations, and special reconnaissance within enemy territory.[3][4]
- ^ "יחידת שלדג: מידע על היחידה וכיצד מתקבלים - קומנדו חייל האוויר". אדרנלין כושר קרבי (in Hebrew). 2021-05-12. Retrieved 2022-04-21.
- ^ "יחידת שלדג: כל מה שמותר לספר". mako. 2011-07-01. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
- ^ "IAF Shaldag Commando Unit Revealed". 6 October 2016.
- ^ Gross, Judah Ari. "Air force brings all special forces under one roof with new 7th Wing". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2023-10-08.