Shaldag Unit

Unit 5101 "Shaldag"
יחידת שלדג
The Shaldag Insignia
Active1974–present
Country Israel
Branch Israeli Air Force
TypeSayeret
Part of7th Special Air Forces Wing
Garrison/HQPalmachim Airbase
Motto(s)זן נדיר, ציפור משונה (Rare kind, strange bird.)
EngagementsOperation 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]

  1. ^ "יחידת שלדג: מידע על היחידה וכיצד מתקבלים - קומנדו חייל האוויר". אדרנלין כושר קרבי (in Hebrew). 2021-05-12. Retrieved 2022-04-21.
  2. ^ "יחידת שלדג: כל מה שמותר לספר". mako. 2011-07-01. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  3. ^ "IAF Shaldag Commando Unit Revealed". 6 October 2016.
  4. ^ Gross, Judah Ari. "Air force brings all special forces under one roof with new 7th Wing". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2023-10-08.