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Shaldag (Hebrew: יחידת שלדג, Yehidat Shaldag ; English: Kingfisher Unit) (also known as Unit 5101) is an elite Israeli Air Force (IAF) commando. The missions of Shaldag are to deploy undetected into combat and hostile environments to conduct special reconnaissance, establish assault zones or airfields, while simultaneously conducting air traffic control and commando actions. Shaldag works from Palmachim Airbase. The unit consists of 40-50 soldiers who work in teams of 8-9. Shaldag soldiers carry M16 or M4A1 assault rifles fitted with the M20 grenade launcher. For special missions, they carry Glock 17 and 19c 9mm series pistols and Mauser SR 82/66 sniper rifles.
Shaldag was founded in 1974, in the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War, by Muki Betzer, a Sayeret Matkal veteran who brought several Matkal veterans with him. Initially operating as a Sayeret Matkal reserve company, it was eventually transferred to the IAF.
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