During the War of Attrition (1969-1970) Egyptian forces received advanced anti-air systems – that included the P-12 radar system. Those systems significantly reduced the IAF’s (Israeli Air Force) ability in that sector and some losses were taken.

After unsuccessful attempts to destroy the radar by IAF Operation Rooster 53 started to form.

On 26 Decemeber, 1969 at 21:00 3 Super Frelon helicopters began a 160 km low altitude flight toward the target. 67 paratroopers divided in 5 teams were on board.

Meanwhile A-4 jets started to bomb an Egyptian target 60 km north of the operation zone as a diversion. The paratroopers landed 6 km from the target, split up as planned and began a stealth approach. After a short firefight 2 Egyptian solders were killed and 4 captured – the rest fled. The P-12 radar site was in full control of the Israeli paratroopers.

So far – quite an amazing operation. A small team, hundreds kilometers from home were able to shut down a strategics operational site. But now comes the really amazing part.

2 CH-53 helicopters arrived to the site. The ground forces connected the 2 parts of the P-12 radar – and each helicopter lifted 1 part of the radar.Despite the hydraulic malfunction in one of the helicopters and strong winds the crew were able to deliver the radar to the Israeli territory.

To add more data to this amazing story:

• The paratroopers had only 48 hours to prepare for this operation
• The IAF had no experience with such heavy lifting and very limited experience with CH-53s in general.
• No casualties on the Israeli side.
• The 4 captured Egyptian soldier were used to negotiate the release of Israeli personnel held captive.

The P-12 radar was reverse engineered and allowed the IAF to develop better electronic counter measures.