Missile Test Unit (Israel)
| Missile Test Unit 151 | |
|---|---|
| יחידת ניסוי טילים 151 | |
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| Active | 1967 - Present[1] |
| Country | File:Flag of Israel.svg Israel |
| Branch | Israeli Air Force |
| Role | Missile testing |
| Garrison/HQ | Palmachim Airbase |
| Nickname | Yanat |
| Mottos | "מכוונים גבוה, מגיעים רחוק" transl. "Aim high, reach far" |
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Missile Test Unit 151 (יחידת ניסוי טילים) abbreviated as Unit 151 or 151 Squadron, is a unit of the Israeli Air force that performs tests of missiles (such as the Arrow missile system[2]) and other kinds of weapons, including directed-energy systems.[3][4] They are based at Palmachim Airbase.[5] The unit is also responsible for launching satellites into orbit,[6] including the classified Ofek system.
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History
In 1969, the unit's test range at what is now the Palmachim Airbase (referred to as "Yanat", also a nickname for the unit itself)[7] was established in the middle of the country.[1] The location was chosen so that rocket launches could travel out across the Mediterranean Sea and avoid the risk of accidentally sparking a conflict with Israel's neighboring countries.[8]
In 1991, Israeli military hero Shimshon Rozen took command of the unit.[9]
In June 2010, the Missile Test Unit participated in the launch of the Ofek 9 spy satellite, which flew to orbit from the unit's base.[7]
Starting in 2016, some functions of the unit were outsourced to private entities.[10]
In June 2021, the unit said that they had successfully shot down drones with a directed-energy weapon.[4]
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References
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