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Ofek 324 is the IAF's operational technology unit. It is responsible for developing operational system programs such as command and control systems, cyber warfare, UAV, air defense and aircraft embedded systems.[1]
| Unit Ofek 324 | |
|---|---|
| יחידת אופק | |
 | |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Country |  Israel |
| Branch |  Israeli Air Force |
| Type | operational technology unit |
| Part of |  Israel Defense Forces |
| Garrison/HQ | HaKirya, Tel Aviv |
| Equipment | Computers |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Colonel Dedi |
The unit operates from three different IAF bases and is subordinate to the IAF Equipment Group. Its current head is Colonel Dedi Meller.[2]
Ofek was established in December 2005, by merging two former IAF computing units, Unit 180 (founded 1959, responsible for combat support systems) and Mamdas (founded 1967, responsible operational systems).[3][2][4]
The unit's first battle was about 6 months after its establishment, during the Second Lebanon War, under Colonel Asahel. In 2015, shifted focus to operational technology and intelligence.[3][5]
The units emblem is made up of four components:[5]
- The IAF wing emblem
- An owl - a determined animal capable of seeing far into the distance.
- A circular arrow target - related to its role of providing the IAF with significant operational capabilities
- A computer network - representing technology.
Unit's Structure
editThe unit consists of 9 sub-units, each responsible for a different role.
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Headquarters unit | Responsible for HR management and logistics. Its commander is also Ofek's Deputy Commander. Based in Hakirya and Tzrifin bases. |
| Service Providing Units | |
| Ma'at unit | Responsible for the continuous availability of the Air Force's networks, and the various systems developed in Ofek. Also responsible for cyber defense. Based in Tzrifin and Hakirya. |
| Infrastructure Engineering Unit | Responsible for engineering the various infrastructures needed for the unit's systems. Based in Hakirya. |
| Engineering Unit | Responsible for the testing of new technologies before their implementation in the unit. Also responsible for the UX of some systems, big data, AI, and BI. Based in Hakirya and Tzrifin. |
| Software Development Units | |
| Ma'am Unit | Responsible for command and control system, used by the IDF's high command. Based in Hakirya. |
| Matan Unit | Responsible for Air Force intelligence systems. Based in Hakirya. |
| Matas Unit | Responsible for developing systems for the various squadrons in the IAF, and for UAVs. Placed in Tzrifin. |
| Mahan Unit | Responsible for air defense systems. Based in Palmachim. |
| Ma'av Unit | Responsible for embedded Avionics Systems for the aircraft. Based in Tzrifin. |
References
edit- ^ "מה עושים חיילי יחידת אופק היחידה הטכנולוגית של חיל האוויר". mako. 2019-10-20. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
- ^ a b "יחידת ממד"ס ויחידת 180 התמזגו". The Israeli Air Force. Retrieved 22 December 2005.
- ^ a b Feinsky, Shira (2020). "אתר חיל-האוויר : דצמבר : יחידת "אופק 324" מציינת 15 שנים של עשייה ביטחונית". The Israeli Air Force.
- ^ "Ofek 324 Unit - IAF". Linkedin.com.
- ^ a b Peleg, May (2019). "Ofek: Innovation in Technology". The Israeli Air Force.