At the height of a deep strike in foreign territory, in the very moments of its final phase, the effort behind the scenes is not always visible – just before the “launch” command is heard over the radio. Behind every neutralization and elimination of targets lies a complex chain of steps designed to advance the mission: a precise hit on the target.
One of the key units that comes into action in special cases is Squadron 122, also known as “Nachshon”, based at Nevatim Airbase. Squadron 122 serves as a dedicated aerial intelligence force in the Air Force, and behind its sharp-nosed Gulfstream aircraft, many stories are hidden – stories of covert operations involving intelligence gathering, processing, target identification, and precise direction. Sometimes, these missions take place hundreds of kilometers deep into enemy territory.
intelligence pathway to Tehran
But before we talk about the June 2025 events, let’s go back to 2022. In the early days of Lt. Col. A., the squadron commander who completed his role last week, he presented a briefing to his new subordinates outlining the main goals and objectives. “There was a slide with the word ‘Iran’ boldly written on it, along with other targets I’m not allowed to disclose,” he recalls.
Three years later, during “Rising Lion” (the 12 days war), the squadron operated intensively alongside fighter jets over the designated country. “Initially, our mission was to open the intelligence pathway to Tehran,” Lt. Col. A. recounts. “The force relied on cooperation among crew members, each with their own specialty: pilots, airborne mission controllers, aerial scouts, intelligence personnel, and others. Thanks to them, we were part of the operation – we supported the attacking forces, and it was an amazing feeling.”
Over the course of 12 days, the air crews carried out numerous sorties, functioning as an intelligence force that generated a real-time, updated target bank. “We prepared for these missions in advance, and our focus was directed there long before the order came down.”
The Oron enters combat
A significant contributor to this historic mission was the “Oron” – another model of the Gulfstream G550 aircraft, which joined the squadron and was operationally deployed for the first time during the “Iron Swords” war. “During the Iran sorties, we used it nonstop – day and night,” shares Lt. T., an aerial scout in the squadron. The combination of intelligence and aerial control creates what Lt. T. calls “unique power”, describing how it works in practice: “For example, when the intelligence personnel on the aircraft point out something suspicious, we can direct the radar to that exact spot, effectively and comprehensively closing the loop.”
high-quality aerial intelligence – straight from the aircraft
The squadron is, as mentioned, one of a kind. “The work here is specific and focused,” notes Cpl. T., an INT (Intelligence, Navigation, and Debriefing) NCO. “This is reflected in every role. We, the INT personnel, produce tools not only for the pilots – but also for the controllers, aerial scouts, and intelligence officers who board the aircraft. At the critical moment, you see how integrating all these elements is essential to achieving the goal.”
As you’ve gathered, Squadron 122 operates in the shadows, serving as real eyes and ears. “You can’t know exactly where we’re flying or what we’re doing,” concludes the squadron commander, “but what matters is that we provide high-quality aerial intelligence – straight from the aircraft.”
Ido Barnes, IDF website
