The Israeli Air Force has reopened Squadron 193, which operates maritime helicopters on behalf of the Israeli Navy, following the arrival of new Sikorsky SH-60F Seahawk helicopters. The squadron had been shut down in August 2025 after the retirement of its AS565 Panther helicopters, known in Israeli service as “Atalef.” The SH-60F Seahawk’s edge over the AtalefThe Seahawk roughly doubles the Atalef’s range, flight endurance, and carrying capacity. Squadron 193, nicknamed “Defenders of the West,” was originally established in 1987 and has operated Dolphin and later Atalef helicopters over the decades before being deactivated at Ramat David Airbase in 2025, and now resuming operations from Palmachim Airbase as a maritime support squadron. The squadron works in coordination with the Navy’s Missile Boat Flotilla, supporting missions such as protecting strategic assets, safeguarding freedom of navigation, and providing naval fire support.