dec 26, 1969 - Operation Rooster 53

Description:

Operation Rooster 53 (also known as Operation Rooster) was a high-stakes Israeli military mission conducted during the War of Attrition. Its goal was to capture an Egyptian P-12 radar system stationed at Ras Gharib, an operation that showcased Israeli precision and innovation in the field of special operations.

Background
The War of Attrition, which started in 1968, was a prolonged conflict along the Suez Canal between Israel and Egypt. Despite its outcome being less decisive compared to the Six-Day War, the War of Attrition saw significant military engagements and frequent raids. During this period, Egypt had upgraded its air defense with Soviet-supplied equipment, including advanced radar systems. Reconnaissance missions had detected a P-12 radar system installed at Ras Gharib, a strategic location on the Red Sea coast. Previous attempts to destroy the radar with aerial strikes had been canceled, prompting the need for a more direct approach.

Planning
Planning Timeline: The planning for Operation Rooster 53 began on December 24, 1969. The operation was approved by the IDF chain of command, and preparations were made for the mission.
Training and Preparation: Teams were trained on the P-12 radar systems using captured equipment from the Six-Day War to ensure familiarity with the technology. Sikorsky CH-53 helicopters were selected for transporting the radar components back to Israeli territory.
Execution of the Mission
Launch: The operation commenced at 9 p.m. on December 26, 1969.
Aerial Distraction: Israeli A-4 Skyhawks and F-4 Phantoms launched a series of attacks on Egyptian positions along the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. This created a diversion and masked the movement of the ground forces.
Ground Assault: Three SA 321 Super Frelon helicopters, carrying troops from the 35th Paratroopers Brigade under Lieutenant Colonel Arie Sidon and his deputy Doron Rubin, approached Ras Gharib with stealth. They overpowered the light security at the radar installation and secured the site with minimal resistance.
Radar Extraction: By 2 a.m. on December 27, the paratroopers had dismantled the radar system and prepared the components for extraction. Two CH-53 helicopters were then flown in from across the Red Sea. One CH-53 carried the communications caravan and radar antenna, while the other transported the main radar unit, weighing four tons.
Aftermath
Successful Extraction: The CH-53 helicopters successfully transported the radar components back to Israeli-controlled territory. The operation was a significant intelligence victory, providing Israeli military analysts with valuable information on Egyptian radar capabilities.
Operational Impact: The success of Operation Rooster 53 demonstrated the IDF's ability to conduct complex, high-risk operations with precision. It provided a substantial advantage in understanding and countering Egyptian air defense systems.
Operation Rooster 53 stands out as a remarkable example of Israeli special operations, combining elements of aerial distraction, ground assault, and precision extraction to achieve a high-value strategic objective.

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