Electronic Warfare Squadron 157 “The Unit in the Valley” / “The Magic Mists” Operator Emblem

·        Description of the elements in the symbol: A raven combined with an arrow and two lightning bolts on its sides, representing electronic warfare in the Israeli Air Force and other armies around the world, against a background of a sword and wings.

• Squadron 157, also known as “The Unit in the Valley”, is an Israeli Air Force squadron located at Ramat David Air Base. The squadron was formed in 2006 from the merger of Unit 153, which was an air defense and weapons suppression unit and was called “The Unit in the Valley” and was merged with Unit 557, which dealt with ground-based air defense. The squadron specializes in electronic warfare (EW). The squadron is staffed by an air defense systems operator and weapons operators. The squadron uses UAVs for its operations.
• Main duties (Electronic Warfare):
• Electronic Defense: Protecting Air Force aircraft from anti-aircraft systems and surface-to-air missiles.
• Electronic Attack: Disrupting enemy communications and liaison systems.
• Cooperation: The squadron operates as part of the Air Force’s electronic warfare (EW) system, which is of great operational importance.
• Purpose: The squadron engages in electronic warfare (EW) and operates ground and airborne systems for this purpose.

·        In the past, there have been reports or references linking similar numbers to strike missions, but the main specialization currently identified with Squadron 157 is electronic warfare. ·        The name “Magic Mists” was officially given to Squadron 157 in 2001. ·        Before that, the unit was known by less official names, the most prominent of which was indeed “The Unit in the Valley” (due to its location at Ramat David Air Base in the Jezreel Valley). The name change was made as part of the Air Force’s move to grant authorized and official names to all units and squadrons in the force. ·        • Origin of the name: The name “Magic Mists” was chosen to reflect the nature of electronic warfare activities – creating a “fog” that misleads enemy systems and prevents them from identifying our forces.