The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced the launch of a second Israeli Air Force (IAF) technicians unit exclusively for ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men, marking another step in its efforts to integrate religious communities into the military while accommodating their way of life.
The new unit is stationed in a fortified aircraft shelter of the 109th Squadron at Ramat David Airbase in northern Israel, a key hub for the IAF’s fighter jet operations. Its members are tasked with the maintenance and servicing of F-16 fighter jets, a role critical to the operational readiness of the air force.
After months of rigorous training, the Haredi soldiers in the unit have earned “Level A” certification — the highest technician qualification for working on F-16 aircraft. This means they are now fully authorized to handle essential maintenance work, including engine checks, weapons systems servicing, and safety inspections.
This initiative follows the successful establishment of the first Haredi IAF technicians unit within the 105th Squadron, also at Ramat David, in 2024.
That pioneering program demonstrated that it was possible to merge the demands of advanced military service with the religious requirements of ultra-Orthodox recruits — such as adherence to strict dietary laws (kosher kitchens), daily prayer schedules, and maintaining traditional dress and separation from female personnel.
The IDF says these specialized units have not only strengthened the air force’s manpower but also opened a new pathway for Haredi men to contribute to national defense without compromising their religious values.
Traditionally, many ultra-Orthodox men have been exempt from compulsory military service in Israel due to full-time Torah study, making such programs a significant shift in recruitment policy.
Military officials note that the Haredi technicians’ work is already helping keep the F-16 fleet fully operational, a critical factor given Israel’s ongoing security challenges. Plans are reportedly underway to expand similar integration models into other IAF squadrons and even into select ground and intelligence units.
For many Haredi families, the creation of these units is also seen as a bridge — allowing young men to gain technical skills, job experience, and a path to economic independence after their service, while still remaining firmly within their religious community.
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