HATZERIM — The IDF Paratroopers Brigade's 202nd Battalion conducted a drill involving the transport of troops and equipment on Karnaf and Shimshon transport aircraft to a combat zone. Prior to this exercise, the Paratroopers Brigade had not practiced landing a paratrooper force with heavy equipment in a combat zone using transport aircraft for two and a half years.

"It is a drill that is broken down into elements," said Maj. P., deputy commander of the 202nd Battalion. He stated, "Two planes arrive at a building in Hatzerim; from there, vehicles are loaded, and they practice entering with a force." Maj. P. added, "Along with the forces, we practiced loading and unloading in the field."

"The drills for linking up with the aircraft are something we have not practiced for two years, from preparing to unload to what equipment they take," Maj. P. said. He noted, "For the infantry forces, it is important to carry out drills so they will be prepared for every scenario and every development in all sectors." The officer explained, "We want to train for the most extreme scenario that could be; we always want to improve cooperation with the planes."

Capt. D., a pilot in Squadron 131, addressed the logistics of the operation. "Loading the vehicles, each vehicle has its own complexity, and obviously once you get closer to the ground, things become more complicated," Capt. D. said. Regarding the relationship between the units, Capt. D. stated, "Since October 7, the connection with the paratroopers has been very strong, and we are assisted by them a great deal."

Maj. P. affirmed that previous operational needs led to the neglect of certain readiness aspects. "We neglected many things related to our readiness because of the operational need, and the operational calm allows us to invest in additional things," he said.