Amidst the increasing tension between Iran and America, Israel's official state plane Wing of Zion is once again in the headlines. According to flight tracking websites, this plane left Israeli airspace and headed towards the Mediterranean Sea. As soon as the plane took off, speculation intensified whether this step was taken out of fear of a possible retaliatory attack from Iran.
According to flight data, Wing of Zion took off from Nevatim Air Force Base in southern Israel (near Beersheba) and headed straight over the Mediterranean Sea. Interestingly, even before this, whenever the conflict with Iran escalated, this aircraft was sent out of Israeli airspace so that it could be kept safe from any possible Iranian missile attack.
However, quoting several media organizations, Israeli officials, on the condition of anonymity, have rejected these speculations. Officials say that this flight is not due to tensions related to Iran, but is part of a regular training mission. Despite this, in view of the current situation, questions are being raised on these claims.
On June 13, just hours after Israel attacked Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile sites, Wings of Zion was seen taking off from Ben Gurion Airport. Similarly, before the missile and drone attack by Iran on 13 April 2024, this aircraft was sent out of Nevatim airbase and later the same airbase became the target of Iranian attack.
The Wing of Zion is the main official transport aircraft of the Israeli government. It is especially used for international trips of the President and Prime Minister. This aircraft is directly under the Israeli Air Force and is operated with the highest safety standards. This aircraft is designed for long distance flights and is specially modified for VVIP movement.
