The Israel Defense Forces has reopened its 193rd Squadron following the arrival of former US Navy SH-60F Seahawk maritime helicopters. The first three second-hand aircraft, designated "Shalach" in Israeli service, have been delivered, with the initial helicopter received on July 29.
The newly delivered SH-60F Seahawks replace the retired Eurocopter AS565 Panther helicopters, which were known in Israeli service as "Atalef." The 193rd Squadron will resume operations as a maritime support squadron based at Palmachim Airbase after being temporarily disbanded since September 2025.
The helicopters are being transferred under the United States Excess Defense Articles program, which approved a total of eight surplus SH-60F airframes for Israel. With three aircraft now delivered, two additional helicopters are scheduled to arrive by the end of the year.
