TOP SECRET//TK//FGI ISR//RSEN/NOFORN
(TS//TK//RSEN//REL TO USA, FVEY) Israel: Air Force Continues Preparations for Strike on Iran and Conducts a Second Large-Force Employment Exercise, 15-16 October 2024
Report Title
(TS//TK//RSEN//REL TO USA, FVEY) Israel: Air Force Continues Preparations for Strike on Iran and Conducts a Second Large-Force Employment Exercise, 15-16 October 2024
Report Details
Target/OOI ID
Image ID/Mission
Sensor
0447-08130DD000
160CT24221305088000E000
VIS
TOT (Z) 0655
Target/OOl Name
HATSERIM AFLD
Latitude Longitude 311407000N 0343913000E
Text Type Status TR1 RMK APPROVED OPR
TR2 Report Type SUPIR
Producer/Agency CX/NIMAST
DAC Group
dacpcmw
Change Significance
SIG
Correction N
Report Number 20241016CX0102360401
Report Summary
(TS/TK/RSEN//REL TO USA, FVEY) Israel: Air Force Continues Preparations for Strike on Iran and Conducts a Second Large-Force Employment Exercise, 15-16 October 2024
(TS//TK//RSEN//REL TO USA, FVEY) The Israeli Air Force (IAF) continued air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) handling, covert UAV operations, and conducted a second large-force employment (LFE) exercise from 15 through 16 October 2024, according to Imagery analysis. The IAF has handled at least 16 Golden Horizon ALBMS and at least 40 IS02 (Rocks) ALBMs since 8 October, according to imagery analysis.
-(TS//FGI ISR//NF) The IAF continued ALBM handling at Hatserim Airfield on 15 October 2024. The IAF placed concealment screens over six F-151 hardened aircraft shelter (HAS) entrances on an alert apron on 16 October, which indicated ALBM handling occurred in the HAS area. We cannot differentiate if this activity is related to IS02 (Rocks) or Golden Horizon ALBMs; however, three possible Golden Horizon ALBM-associated dollies arrived in a separate HAS adjacent to the F-151 alert HAS complex. We did not observe increased personnel at the ALBM handling area at Hatserim Airfield on 16 October.
(S//REL TO USA, FVEY) The IAF likely handled air-to-surface missiles (ASM) at Ramat David Airfield and Ramon Airfield from 15 through 16 October. The IAF handled one probable unidentified ASM at Ramat David Airfield on 15 October. One unidentified ASM was in front of hardened aircraft bunker typically associated with precision-guided munitions generation. At Ramon Airfield, one munitions cart probably outfitted with missile handling equipment arrived within the ALBM area on 16 October, indicating ALBM handling likely occurred.
-(TS//TK//RSEN//REL TO USA, GBR) The IAF continued to conduct covert UAV flight activity at Ramon Airfield from 15 through 16 October. The IAF opened the RA-01 operations hangar screen and the gate to the RA-01 operations area, indicating an RA-01 airframe was transiting to or from the operations area at 1731Z 15 October. On 16 October, NGA observed personnel and ground equipment arrive within the RA-01 operations area, indicating pre or post-flight activity occurred.
(S//REL TO USA, FVEY) The IAF conducted an LFE exercise on 15 October, the second LFE exercise since 13 October, likely to practice air-to-air refueling and combat search and rescue operations with a large number of aircraft. The LFE exercise included at least three KC-707 tankers, one G-550 Gulfstream airborne early warning aircraft, and possibly fighter aircraft, according to SIGINT reporting. [1] The KC-707 tankers and G-550 Gulfstream aircraft involved in the LFE exercise is a similar package to what the IAF used to conduct long-range strikes in Yemen on 29 September 2024, according to imagery analysis.
(U) Sources
(S//REL TO USA, AUS, CAN, GBR, NZL) [1] Originating Agency: NSA; Source ID Number: S/CY/227249-24; Date of Publication: 15 October 2024; Report Title: Middle East Hostilities: Israeli Air Force Aircraft Participate in a Large Force Employment Exercise Amid Possible Strike Preparations, 13 October 2024 (S//REL TO USA, AUS, CAN, GBR, NZL); URL: S/CY/227249-24 (ic.gov):: (Source information available Classified S//REL TO USA, AUS, CAN, GBR, NZL).
(U) Point of Contact:
(S//REL TO USA, GBR) NGA-Levant Division-Southern Levant Branch (AOSLI) Israel Team, TS VoIP: 577-4990, Commercial 314-676-9056, Email: AOSLIIsraelTeam@coe.ic.gov
0447-08130DD000 HATSERIM AFLD
TOP SECRET//TK//FGI ISR//RSEN/NOFORN