ge ee oeTee Sarees ee THE ISRAEL AIR FORCE INTO THE 1990s samue! m. katz ISI AD A Ha PUBLICATIONS COMPANY ma aaCopyright © 1994 bby CONCORD PUBLICATIONS CO. 603-609 Costie Peak Road Kong Nam industrial Building 10/F.B1. Tsuen Wan New Territories, Hong Kong All ights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in ony form or by any means, electronic, mechanical photocopying or otherwise, without the prior waitten permission of Concord Publications Co, We welcome authors who can help expand our range of books. If you would like fo submit material, please: feel free to contact us We are always on the look-out for new, unpublished photos for this series. IF you have photos or slides or information you fee! may be useful to future volumes. please send them to us for possible future publication, Full photo credits will be given upon Publication ISBN 962-361-915-4 Printed in Hong KongIntroduction “Israel has no AVERAGE pilots. They are all the best that are in the sky.” — A U.S. Navy TOP-GUN instructor. “I followed the Flogger, playing cat-and-mouse, over the skies of the Beka’a. My Sidewinder locked on and the launch button depressed. It was really no contest. All I saw was impact and a parachute emerge. Just an _ average day on the Job.” — An IAF F-15 pilot, returning from a sortie over Lebanon, June 1982. “Two Kf C-7s, one bedazzed in a desert camouflage scheme and te athern an ai-superioty gray, pro! the skes over contra israel. Noto addtional ‘uel tanks carmed, as wel as Python 3 air-to-air missles. (IOF Spokesman) Israel's air power dates back to its pre-independence underground army, the Haganah (or “Defense"), and its primitive aerial component known as the Sherut Ha’Avir (or “Air Service”). When the Arab states of Egypt, Transjorden, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon invaded Israel on May 15, 1948, a day following Israel's declaration of independence, launching massive aerial bombings of Israeli targets and cities in the process, the Sherut Ha’Avir had no viable response. When, days later, the Israelis received a supply of Czechoslovak produced clones of the Luftwaffe Me-109G, called the Avia S- 99, a new element into Middle Easter military equations was cormed; the Sherut Ha’Avir became the Heyl Ha‘Avir, or “Air Comps,” although it would become more commonly known as the Israel Air Force, or “IAF.” During the 1948 War, the IAF was soon able to obtain a hodgepodge of aircraft from World War Two surplus supplies, including: the C-46 and, of course, the C Bristol Beaufighters: Supermarine Spitfires: P-51 Mustangs; even the B-17 Flying Fortress. This “Tower of Babel” of craft was handled by a literal “Tower of Babel” of flyers mainly Gentiles, Second World War veterans, who volunteered to save the Jewish State from imminent destruction in a mult gual, multi-cultural air combat unit known as the “Ma’Chal’ « foreign volunteers) For the next ten years, however, Israel's aerial status mained virally the same, The Israeli Prime Minister, David 3 Ben Gurion, was not a firm believer in the attributes of air power. Severe budgetary restraints limited the IAF's front-line fighter aircraft to Second World War surplus piston-engine fighters, like the ex-RAF Mosquitoes and American P-51 Mustangs. When the Egyptians obtained their first supply of Soviet-produced MiG 15s and British-produced Meteor jets in 1955, the Israelis were forces to respond in kind. The first IAF jets were the British ‘Meteor: soon, close relations between Israel and France helped bring the Dassault M.D. 450 Ouragan and the Dassault Mystére IV-Ato the IAF. Israel's limited financial ability to purchase these “top-of-the-line aircraft” was extremely constraining and, as a result, piston-aircraft were still utilized throughout its order of battle. Many Western nations were also unwilling to train Israeli pilots, and the IAF was forced to create its own guidelines and standards of instruction. The success of this indigenous “born in baitle” practice was proven in April 1956, when IAF jets downed three Egyptian Air Force Vampire jets in dog-fights above the Sinai Desert. At last, there was an indication that the IAF’s emphasis on quality, in order to make up for its severe ‘quantitative gap, began to shine through as [Israel searched for aerial superiority. (On October 31, 1956, the Middle East erupted in full-scale war for the second time in seven years in what became known as the Sinai Campaign. Hours before war was to break-out, sixteen P-51 Mustangs flew a few dozen feet above the sandywasteland of the Sinai Desert and used their propeller blades to slice through Egyptian telephone lines. The IAF’s aerial opening shot was soon followed by a flight of sixteen C-47 Dakotas aircraft ferrying @ battalion of paratroopers deep inte enemy territory for their date with destiny at the Mitla Pass; the lead C- 47, it must be added, was piloted by a female flyer. During the brief Sinai Campaign, the IAF's small fleet of combat aircraft was used to its maximum effectiveness: fighter and bomber aircraft strafed roads and bombed enemy positions; light piston engine transports ferried senior officers, conducted long-range reconnaissance forays: heavier transport aircraft supplied the troops deep behind enemy lines. In 1,846 combat sorties, the IAF downed nine Egyptian fighters in aerial combat and destroyed an astounding 308 tanks and vehicles in strafing runs. The success changed Israel's view of its air force forever. In the years to follow. the IAF obtained Sud.Vatour bombers, Dassault Super-Mystére B-2s and Poter Air MC-170 Fouga- Magister jet-trainers from France and, most importantly, the trim, delta-wing, devil of an aircraft: The Dassault Mirage tiIC. ‘The’ acquisition of the Mirage WIC, equipped impressively enough, with 30-millimeter cannons (so that once the enemy's aircraft were destroyed, ground targets ‘could be attended to} was, indeed, a turing point. It boisterous statement made by the 1A. Peo boisterous ‘commander at the time, Malor- ‘ General’ Ezer Tiere Weizman—a The Star of David joining tho rod, white and black man known as “Mr. Heyl Ha’Avir.” The IAF Mirage's first baptism of fire was a highly successful one: in 2 dramatic dog-fight over the tranquil Sea of Galilee on July 14 1966, a Mirage IIC blew a Syrian Air Force MiG-21 Fishbed out of the sky. A month later, the IAF obtained an intimate glimpse into the top-of-the-line Arab air-superiority fighter, the MiG-21 Fishbed, when, in a brilliant intelligence coup, an lraqi pilot defected his Fishbed to Israel. The aircraft, later designated with James Bond's infamous 007 designation, was carefully dissected by eager technicians and its data passed along to |AF pilots who soon became intimate with the MiG-21. ‘The IAF's finest hour was, undoubtedly, the morning of June 5, 1967. In response to months of provocation, the IAF initiated ‘@ massive blitz against Egyptian Air Force bases which would become one of the epic surprise assaults in modem military history. As Egyptian Air Force pilots returned from moming patrols, and their replacements munched on hearty breakfasts, the IAF drew first blood in a vindication of theic aerial might. In 2 desperate gambit, almost every combat aircraft in the IAF inventory set out that moming to destroy Arab air power on the ‘ground! In less than three hours, hundreds of Egyptian planes ‘were destroyed on their runways by bombs, cannon and rocket fire. The IAF's attack was conducted in unrelenting waves of ‘2erial destruction. The Egyptian Air Force never had a chance; Major Ade! Bassem on October 11, 1989, provided the IAF potent combat aieral. (Michael VnraubIDF Spokosman) prepares for a landing back at base, The acquisition of the Flogger, through the defection of Syrian Air Force neither did the Jordanian, Syrian and Iraqi air forces. who tecelved equally destructive attention, The IAF accounted forthe destruction of an astounding 391 enemy planes on the ground the total inoctivation of 60 enemy airfields and the downing of ‘over 60 enemy aircraft in aetial combat. Once the Arab eit forces were destroyed, the IAF dedicated itself to ground-support operations, hitfing retreating enemy tanks, vehicles and Formations mercilessly Peace didnot follow the 1967 War and the IAF found ise more pressed than ever, Because Israel's preemptive. strike Sporked the conflict, the politealy fickle French, the IAF"s sole Supplier of combat alterat, imposed an all-inclusive arms embargo preventing delivery of 30 Dassault Micage V fighter bombers eitcraft which were already pald for! President Nasser intioted a "War of Attrition” against Israel; it was a saturated Conflict meant to utilze Egypt's vast numerical advantage in manpower and fre-power to undermine Israel's resolve to fight tnd keep it newly captured territories Israel responded with the tart ‘Along the Suez Canal, the Jordan Valley Desert and the Syrian hls, Arab artillery attacked. Israc positions, Palestinian guerrillas infiltrated into Israel. IAP ‘operations were the vanguard of the Israel effort and two new weapon systems were entered into the tquation: the A 4 Skyhawk end the Fede Phantom. The first Skyhawks reached. Israel roundel of he Sian Ar Force: the IAPs MG-23 Shortly afer the 1967, War and the Phantoms in 1969. Both aircraft offered the IAF a new perspective: the longer range aircraft capable of camying heavier payloads. Soon, the entire nation of Egypt was in the bomb-sights of IAF aircraft, as sonic booms with “Star of David” signatures were heard over Cairo The Skyhawk was @ pugnacious itle aircraft capable of 655. mph speeds, and an ordnance payload in excess of 9,920-1. In Isfoetihands, and with the capable IAF pilots atthe throttle, the Skyhawk could provide the IAF with the hard punch capable of mass-bombing ‘aids while deploying only few aircrat. The Phantom, on the other hend, was. miltary superiority. A complete package of agility, speed, and strength (which made it 2 frontline interceptor as well as a long range bomber), the Phantom was capable of Mach 2.17 speeds (1,432-mph), and ‘could cary 3,020-Ib. in ordnance. it became lsrael’s most potent with @ weath of information on one ofthe Arab's most 1s and Syrians, however, had a trump cord of their own: a powerful and generous ally called the Soviet Union. ‘The Soviet's carefully cultivated the Arab states with abundantly ‘generous supplies of military hardware, including top of the line surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries, such as the SA-2 “Guideline” and SA-3 "Goa,” as well as hundreds of anti-aircraft {gun batteries, eventually manned by over 15,000 Soviet officers! ‘The result, IAF deep-penetration raids against Egypt were metsho. the nd, 3 of port and self “ke sole ter sser ted by murderous barrages of SAMs and accurate hails of radar- controlled anti-aircraft fire. The aerial segment of the War of Attrition ended in explosive fashion on July 30, 1970, when a flight of Mirage IlICs and F-4E Phantoms ambushed a squadron of Egyptian Air Force MiG-21Js flown by Soviet pilots. In the ensuing dogfight, which lasted 30 seconds, the IAF downed five of the MiGs without suffering a single loss of their own. The IAF would find itself in another bitter fight for the survival on October 6, 1973. Just hours before the Jewish State was about to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, Israel's Prime Minister, Golda Meir, received intelligence reports that both Syria and Egypt were to launch a full-scale surprise attack against Israel later in that day. The actual blitz was a ferocious assault. The might of the IAF, the squadrons of Mirage iC, Phantoms and Skyhawks, were issued with the difficult and dite task of keeping the Syrians and Egyptians at bay, to allow the reservists, the numerical might of the IDF, the time and epportunity to reach the front. The Arabs, however, ‘ncorporating the lessons leamt from the Soviets in the War of Attrition, covered their impressive advances with mobile SAM umbrellas— consisting mainly of the SA-6 *Gainful” ese missiles took an enormous toll fon IAF aircraft who had to fulfill an aire superiority as well as aerial- artillery role. The SAMs, in $c tt neutralized the IAF deployed helicopters in significant numbers. in fact, prior to the 1973 War, the IAF made litle use of its minuscule fleet of whirlybirds, made up primarily of aging French Sud.Aviation SA3ZIK Super Frelons and Sikorsky $-58s, mainly because of their large-size and vulnerability to ground fire. They were primarily reserved for most transport roles, like ferrying a force Of reconnaissance paratroopers to Beirut Intemational Airport for fa spectacular commando raid in December 1968, or providing fan airborne taxi to infantry units conducting @ pursuit of Pelestinian terrorists. When the IAF acquited the small and agile Bell-205 and Bell-212 Vietnam-era helicopters from the United States in the late 1960s and attack helicopters in the 1970s, Israel's use of the rotor-blades would expand to unimaginable dimensions. ‘Another “change” in IAF's theory in its use of aircraft was also seen during the bitterly contested battles of the Yom Kippur War when heavy transport aircraft, like the aged warrior C-47 Dakota and the newly acquired C-130 Hercules, moved large amounts of essential combat supplies to the front lines in Sinai. Such aircraft extended the “offensive” range of the supply- hungry IDF and made the Middle Easter theater—and points beyond— entirely within Israel's reach. Three years later, on the night of July 3. 4, 1976, IAF C- 130s flew 2,300 miles to shuttle ‘2 combined IDF commando force to IAF, Israeli Entebbe in pilots flew what Uganda and amounted to then bring the slmost suicidal force back Kamikaze-type together with sorties; flying 103, “ex. straight into hostages” SEM Mo ng an aoa fg, an F-16D os the nevly oblaned ‘ive and wie" Fogge8, (DF Spokesman) rescued from SA-4,SA-6 the clutches of and ZSU-23-4 quad-barrel radar-controlled 23-millimeter guns, they engaged their radars while other aircraft attempted to destroy them. Nevertheless, the IAF was able to provide much needed ground support to the conscripts at the front, providing absolute air cover to Israeli proper, and allow the reservists who were mobilized, the ability to be pressed into the struggle. During the eighteen days of brutal combat. the Egyptian and Syrian SAM umbrella claimed 105 IAF aircraft. Most of these aircraft were soon replaced by generous shipments from the United States in what became known as the “aerial bridge.” The crrival of the replacement aircraft, coupled with the ground campaign turning in Israel's favor, allowed the IAF to assume the offensive. With anti-radiation ordnance, IAF aircraft bombed and destroyed dozens of SAM batteries while forcing the Arab aircraft Into ection; in one-sided dog-fights 360 Syrian and Egyptian aircraft were blasted out of the sky; while dozens of helicopters ferrying Syrian and Egyptian commandos were destroyed before they could deploy behind Israeli lines. Although the IAF suffered {an astounding casualty rate—almost 20 percent of its front-line aircraft and personnel—it was the difference between an Israeli defeat or victory ina war which could very well have meant the destruction of the State of Israel. The Yom Kippur War was also the first conflict in which the a Palestinian terrorists, Inthe late 1970s, the IAF entered into its own technical age: it was an era which saw the IAF expand and diversify its aircraft from aging workhorses to top-of-the-line high-tech Mach.2 speed machines. Besides the production of Its own indigenously produced fighter—an advanced version of the Mirage IC: a ddelta/canard wing fighter bomber called the Kfir (or “Lion Cub") — the IAF obtained two high-tech masterpieces from America: the elite of the elite in alr superiority, the F-15 Eagle, an aircraft described by Israell flyers as “a plane which loves its pilot,” and the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter bomber. While the Kfir provided the IAF with versatility and strategic depth, the F:15 and F-16 ‘augmented the abilities and range of IAF operations. All of thi would be choreographed in mid-air by the Grumman E-2C Hawkeye AWACS aircraft. The incredible, almost legendary abilities of the IAF flyers ‘was, perhaps, best illustrated on June 7, 1981, when @ flight of six F-15s and eight F-16s, piloted by the IAF’s best pilots, all combat veterans and some even (Arabic speaking) pilots flew from southern fsrael across the Gulf of Eilat, then across the desert into Saudi Arabia, north towards Iraq, Baghdad, and the Osirak nuclear reactor—which was on the verge of producing weapons grade plutonium. The reactor was heavily defended byscores of SAM batteries and radar-controlled anti-aircraft gun emplacements, but the tenacious IAF flyers swooped in from the south and in one lethal bombing dive, weed the nuclear: weapons facility into a definition of full-scale destruction. The raid illustrated to the IAF’s ability to accomplish the impossible and captured the world's imagination. In retrospect, the raid might also have saved the world from viewing a preview to nuclear Armageddon, The raid on Baghdad was, perhaps, the IAF's most spectacular operation to date. One year later, the IAF would Impress the world once again, on a day in Juneé—this time over the skies of Lebanon. Since the Lebanese Civil War, IAF aircraft had participated in dog-fights with Syrian aircraft; it was here that the Kffr, the F-15 and the F-16 recorded their first “kill ever; MIG-2is, MIG-23s and MIG-25s, the elite of Soviet produced military aviation, which failed to evade IAF heat- seeking missiles and 20-millimeter cannons were their victims. For years, Lebanon was the flash-point for the Middle East's “next” major conflict, as the Palestinian mini-state in southern Lebanon and intense Syrian military activity brought threats to Israel’s northern frontier which were Intolerable. In the spring of 1981 Syria deployed mobile SAM batteries in eastern Lebanon's Beka'a Valley: 2 move meant to hinder the IAF’s bombing attacks against Palestinian factions allied to Damascus. (On June 6, 1982, tens of thousands of Israeli soldiers burst across the Lebanese frontier, in what has become known as “Operation Peace for Galilee.” The IDF, commanded by Chief: of-Staff Lieutenant-General Rafael “Raful” Eitan, himself e certified jet pilot, was determined to once and for all remove the Palestinians from Lebanon, and ait-power was to play a vital role in executing this objective. But the presence of Syrian SAM batteries in eastern Lebanon severely hindered IAF operations: a situation clearly not to be tolerated for ong. Between June 9-10, In a period of under 48 hours, the IAF took out the Syrian SAM umbrella and most of the Syrian Air Force in one of air-warfare's most impressive and technologically masterful victories, IAF electronic intelligence aircraft, Beechcraft RU-21s, according to published reports, Grumman OV-1 Mohawks and Boeing 707s, were despatched to locate the missile-site radars while Israeli ‘and American produced remotely-piloted vehicles (or “RPV") (small propeller driven “toy-aircraft” equipped with advanced electronics and, sometimes, payloads), were flown over the Beka’a Valley to act as aerial decoys. Foreign reports indicated thet with the “active” electronic battlefield environment in its Peak, E-2C Hawkeyes directed squadrons of A-4, F-4, F-16 and Kfir fighter bombers, all carrying anti-radiation missiles and bombs towards their targets. Destruction was absolute, ‘The Syrian Air Force responded desperately. They sent in wave after wave of MiG-21, MiG-23 and MIG-25 fighters to intercept the IAF bombers, but they were met by awaiting squadrons of Kfirs, F-15s and F-16s, all armed with Sidewinder, Sparrow, Shaftir and Python air-to-air missiles. In the following three days of aerial combat, the IAF shot down over 60 Syrian ‘MiGs and Sukhois to NO Israeli losses. During the three months of fighting, the IAF shot down over 90 Syrian aircraft (including twenty by ground and anti-aircraft fire); the only Israeli aircraft destroyed in the years since 1982 were a medevac helicopter, 2 Skyhawk, and an RF-4C reconnaissance Phantom—all shot down by ground-fire and surface-to-air missiles. The virtual destruction of the Syrian Air Force allowed the IAF to concentrate on the true objective of “Operation Peace for Galilee,” and Palestinian targets throughout Lebanon were hammered daily by IAF bombing raids. Helicopter gunships, airbome tank killers, were also ultlized for the first time in military history. The IAF's fleet of Cobra end Defender gunship proved deadly for Syrian armor. In the years following the 1982 War, the IAF continued its attacks against Palestinian and, later, Shiite terrorist targets in Lebanon end points beyond. The IAF attacked the PLO's Lebanon-exile headquarters in Tunis on October 1, 1985. The uring large-scale manouvers in southem Israel, a Defend circles over two M113 APCs before heading out over the row of fw hls in search of armor. (IDF Spokesman)attack force, eight F-16s and several F-15s flying high-altitude cover, had to fly 1,280 miles in each direction and were refueled in mid-air by Boeing 707s. The raid, a performance well beyond what most regarded as the IAF’s operational range, was a firm statement of the IAF"s capability to attack terrorism well beyond her borders, The IAF retumed to Tunis three years later end, according to foreign published reports, provided ECM (electronic counter-measure) support to the IDF assassination of PLO military commander, Abu Jihad on April 16, 1986. Such raids, utlizing all of Israe'’s arms in the execution of special operations, also illustrated, once again, the innovative thought behind IAF operations and equipment, a statement proudly expressed on New Year's Day 1987, when the Lavt (or Lion"), an Israel Aircraft Industries produced fighter meant to bring the IAF into the 21st Century, made its virgin test-flight. A sleek and electronically brilliant aircraft, the Lavi ‘looked ike a hybrid combination of two very successful warplanes: the delta-winged Kir and the F< eG fortunately “grounded” not by enemy SAMs, but by Israel's severe budget mitations hese budgetary estriction, however, did not prevent the Excolent overall view of the IAF CH-59 Yasur. Note that yellow “V" “Friend or Foe" recognition symbol when en electronic malfunction destroyed his Phantom in the middie of a bombing run, and forced him to eject over Shiite terntory. Although the Israelis have never denied or admitted to these reports, if true, it would appear as if the Apache's fire- control system was too accurate for its own good. Needless to sey, however, the acquisition of the Apache bolsters an already lethal fleet of attack and tank-killing choppers in IAF service, ‘More recently, the IAF has also ordered the UH-60 Blackhawk transport—as well as offensive—chopper. ‘The IAF’s modetn fleet of aircraft, pictured in the following pages, have proven significant in the history of the fstael Air Force. It has been over forty years of great struggle, sactifice, dedication and, most of all, uninterrupted combat. All indication point to the IAF have greater and more dire responsibility in the ‘months to come and the IAF's zone of concer, the operational region that it may need to fly in the years to come has increased dramatically With the historic peace accord now underway between Israel and the PLO, the peace holding up strongly with Egypt, and possible breakthroughs likely with Jordan and Syria the principal threat to Israel comes from the east— from lraq and specifically tran AF. form encompasses both the Star of David emer and the aircrals numeric designation. (IDF Spokesman) end these receiving a nation's _ long most special and unexpected gift. On October 11, 1989, Syrian range missiles and nuclear weapons programs. To meet these Air Force Major Adel Bassem defected to Israel along with his MiG-23-S Flogger-B. The intelligence bonanza gained by jooking at the performance and electronic "black box” defenses of the enemy's top-of-the-line-interceptor was of great significance. Another acquisition, in the summer of 1990, was the McDonnell Douglas AH-64 Apache, a low-flying, fast moving anti-tank dynamo which could easily turn a column of enemy farmor into @ twisted and burning graveyard. Its arrival In Israel ‘ame at the time of the Iraq} invasion of Kuwalt—an initial period when it appeared as if Israel would be involved in any future fighting. The baptism of gunfire for the Apache would not come during the Gulf War, but on February 22, 1992, in southe Lebanon when a fight of Apaches were involved in a “selectiv strike against the motorcade belonging to Hizbollah military commander Sheikh Abbas Musawi. On a twisting Beka’a Valley oad, a fusillade of Hellfire missiles tore apart the Mercedes staff cars used by the Hizbollah commanders. According to reports published in several American publications, the aim of the mission was not the assassination of Musawi, but rather his abduction; according to the reports, the Apaches were to immobilize the motorcade and waiting Israeli commandos were to snatch Musawi and possibly trade him back to the Lebanese in exchange for captured IAF navigator Ron Arad who, while flying @ bombing sortie over Lebanon in 1986, was captured long-range challenges, the IAF had been searching for its fighter bomber of the future for the past several years in a contest that for nearly three years pitted the General Dynamics F-16 against the McDonnell Douglas F-18. Both aircraft were tested by the IAF but a last minute entry to the multi-million dollar acquisition run off was the McDonnell Douglas F-15I, the export version of the F-15E, A multi-faceted fighter-bomber and by far the most sophisticated combat jet in the world today, the F-151 in Israeli hands will be, according to one U.S. Air Force officer, “the most lethal fighting system ever conceived.” ‘To many foreign observers and admirers, the IAF owes its success not to its high performance aircraft or technical mastery, but rather to its true secret weapon—its human element. Becoming a pilot in the Israel Air Force is about the most prestigious thing an Istaeli conscript can achieve and certainly the most difficult. IAF flight training is legendary for its high attrition rate, superhuman expectations, and level of professionalism, As long as Israel can produce these flyers, these highly intelligent men willing to be cocky, arrogant, courageous, and face the dangers of Mach.2 combat with zeal, fand as long as the IAF can produce a small army of instructors, technicians, ground crew chiefs and support personnel who keep these multi-million dollar aircraft in the sky, the skies of the Middle East will belong to the IAP.The Old Yet Reliable Warbirds ‘A veteran of the War of Aton, 1973 Yom Kippur Was, Operation LLtani, Operation Peace for Gales and countless othor security operations ‘agaist all of Israels neighbors, the A-« Skyhawk is seen here at the APs new museum at the sprawing Hatzerim Ai Force base in the Negoy Decor. (Samuel M. Katz) = - through. (Biton Hey! Ha’Avin 8 ‘Over the picturesque and majestic beauty of southern Israel, two IAF Skyhawks perorm a refueling maneuver duting mid-air exercises. Note ‘addional extra uel tanks fied to lead Skyhawk. (Biton Heyl Ha’Avi) ‘A moditied Skyhawk, sill functional in a taining and emergency ‘combat role, sits at an anarymous aioase awaiting a student pilot and a few hours of fight ime, (OF Spokesman) ‘Over the hypnotic wilderness of the Negev Desert, two A-4 Warbirds make @ sweeping aerial return to ther targets for an addtional simulated run“Tnroe IAF Skyhawks make a fw level roll over a defensive poston in southem Israel providing aerial suppor ina mighty and eincuring gosture of jot sngine ftepower. (Biton Hey! He’Avir) Dusk at an anonymous airbase in central Isasl. A neatly parked row of Skyhawks awalt het force of plats who, ater the prelght bricing, wilfetch thei helmets, G-vests and maps, and head out for an operational assignment. (Biton Hey! Ha’ Avi) White on exercise in the Meaterranean, an attack formation of three IAF Skyhawks hugs tho waves and keeps clear of "enemy" radar. (Biton Hey! Ha’Avir‘A modiiod Skyhawk, called by many in the IAF the "Skyhawk 200,” ‘operates in an ar supernty rola, soon here armed with Sdewinders, (Biton Hey! Ha'avir, Interesting photograph of an IAF Skyhawk refueling another A-&—the later is armed with a Rafael Python air-to-air miss, in an alr superionty roe, (Biton Hey! Ha’Avir ‘Tho beloved Skyhawk remains an integral eloment ofthe AP's future well into the next century. (Biton Hey! Ha’AvirInside its protective sheer at an anonymous airbase in southern fe, 2 9700 of fochno-protessionals, ll under the age of twenty-one, attend 13 2 aging wat horse. (Samuel M. Kat2) ‘anonymous aitbese in central Israel. Althou ternal avionics ané electronic have been secret enhanced by Israel Close-up view of a mosified A-4 Skyhawk, on dsplay at an alas in he engineer, ils now infamous three color camoutfage scheme nas not been contra Ierael. Note rescue tab labeled Matzalah in Hebrew. (Courtesy— tored in over twenty years. (Biton Hey! Ha‘avic)MIRAGE iS a) ae yeo2.20p9miraye er cen ooo ll ‘Ata base in southern Israel, a Mirage IICai-superioty averaft (superior with 13 kis) which has been extensively modified by lsrael Aircraft Industries, ‘s oepiayad on independence Day. (IDF Spokesman The top Mirage ING MIG and Sukhot killar—now dsplayed at the IAF ‘museum: It's the master of thineen Egyptian and Syrian aicrat (the ‘oundels with three stas indicate Egyptian ils, while thoso wih two stars inleate Syrian aicrat downed). Note aircrah makings in Hebrew. (Samuel M. Katz) The once mightiest of the mighty inthe IAF and to many the most successful and important aircraft to ever serve in the Hoy Ha’Avir—tho McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom. Stil active, stil vibrant, and modi by Israeli technicians for service info the next century, stil lethal in & technologically saturated battlefield. Here, a Kurnas-2000 (Sledgehammer, IDF nickname forthe Super Phantom) grabs a quick, mai supply of fuel from @ Boeing 707, converted to an infight tanker by lsrael Arcrat Industries. (Sivan Fara/OF Spokesman) eae @* Parkod nex! to the former IAF air superionty aircraft, the Mirage MIC (the true forebear to the Kf tamiy of fighters), an F-15 Eagle awaits its permission for take-off. (Blton Heyl Ha’ Avi)On a rain soaked tarmac at an anonymous ai forco base, a Kumas (Sledgehammer) awaits @ pict, a few thousands pounds of ordnance, and a ‘mission. (Biton Hey! Ha’Avir Alter completing their practice ming run, a tio oF pits stand in as a pair of Super Phantoms take for some late atemoon fight te, DOF Spokesman) win te Tzevet Karka (ground crow), wearing white coveralls, directing returning Siedgenammer into base, the pilot prepares for the lengthy posthight debrifing in the squadron conference room. (Biton Heyl He'avir,(or F-16, those in the know stil want fo sit behind the contro of he legendary Super Phantom, (Biton Heyl Ha’Avir From its home base "somewhere in southern Israel, an IAF F-4E Super Phantom takos off during a training ‘exorcise. (Samuel M. Katz} Win ts canopy uo prior to entering take-off position, a Kumas crew awaits is spot on fine for the quick and mighty lio from its base in Fascinating view of an IAF F-4E, stil carrying a payload of bombs, other Israel. Proogragh offers an excellent view of tha once top-secret returing to base, The IAF's Star of David embiem and the F-4E have come ‘ear-viow miors fastoned tothe canopy. (Biton Heyl Ha’Avit) to personity Israel's sir superiorty, (Biton Hey! Ha’AvinAA landing shot of the Kurnas2000, the Israel Aircraft sustties revamped copy of the F-4E, which wil be in service eo the next century. The strength and sheet destructive Sapabilty of the Super Phantom makes is now name of KURNAS [or "Sledgehammer a fitng tite. (Sivan FaraylOF okesman} Rete 5 The mighty F-4E Phantom—the workhorse of the IAF for ‘over twenty years and, most ikely, wenty mare—takes of form 2 Sun baked runway in southern srael (IDF Spokesman) @ ‘Tho SAM's greatost nemesis: the AGM-7a Standard Arm Purple Punch anti radiation missio; the weapon which has oroved its lethality during the IAF's epic bite of the Boka'a alloy miglle network in June 1962. (Michael Zartal/IDF ckesman) During an Independence Day cisplay, 2 Kurnas-2000 is, . ‘macked up in fl battle glory. Note refueling hook up, rear-viow @ on Imirors 42 cockpt, and adtional fuel tank. (Courtesy—Voav EfratSuper PhantonvKurnas-2000, fully armed with a wide assoriment of ordnance, heads towards ts target uring a. “routine” counter-terronst stike. (IDF Spokesman) Its chute wide open, a Kurnas for “Sledgehammer returns to base after another “job well done.” Altrough now in its 25% yoar of sevice withthe IAF, the Super Phantom i sta frontline combat aircraft. IDF Spokesman) “Two Ktir-7s, the lat variant of the “Lion's Cub" to be produced by lael Alrrat Industries, lyin formation above the mountains of northern lsrae “The Kirin the gray scheme i in ar-superiory rele, while the camoutiaged aitcraf isin its ground attack scheme, (Biton Hey! Ha’Avin, 16a Two Kira, armed with air-to-air misses, patrol the skies over northern of Israel. Note addtional fue tanks carted in case some additional combat at ‘acral ime is required. (Biton Hey! Ha’Avin ‘Ammaster ground crewman readies his silos KfirC-7 fora training fight Just after dawn at an anonymous airbase in southern frael. Note that Kfiris {iva ground attack eamoutlage scheme. (Biton Hey! Ha'Avir) A Kir C7, pained in is alrto-air peroty ole and equipped for ar. = combat, prepares to take-f from an ase in contal israel. (Biton Hoy! na’avir) The beginning of a sand storm oes not deter the Kfir and his plot from a few hours fight ine in southern Israel, A great boost to the image ofthe Kfir was the decision of the US. Navy to use the aircraft in an adversarial role in its Top Gun Serool. (Biton Hey! HavAvirco ‘Armed with Shafrir 2 airto-ar missile, wo Kr C-7s patrol tho ekies of northam Israel—the snow capped slopes of Mt. Hermon are visible in the background. (Biton Hey! Ha’Avi) The tsraci cesponse to generous ‘and fickle arms suppliers: the fr famiy)of fighter-bomber aicratt. Fist unveiled in 1975, the Kile or “Lion's Cub’) is an extensively redesigned cage 5; lator vanants, however, were truly unique aircraft, Nole black anc ‘orange irlangle on wings and tall which ditlerentiate the arora form Mirages own by Arab air forces. (Samuel M. Katz) ‘The two-seat trainer derivative ofthe KfirC-2, known as the Kflr C2. thas @ longer nose than the C-2in order o house some of the systems originally fited 10 the fuselage 19 make room for the second pilot. Note canard located just behind the ar intakes and extended wing leading edge. (Samuel M. Kat) 18‘Altera successful hour inthe alr, a fir C-7 makes his parachuto-brake iow roll on the tarmac. at an snonymous airbase n israel. The post- fight debriefing, In which the fers aro quizzed and examined about every aspect of their fight, is almost as thy as the actual sorte. (Biton Hoy! Ha’Avir ‘Two Ktir C-7s, bedazzied in their desert camouflage scheme, are readied for take-of from their base in southern Israel. (Biton Heyl Ha’Avir) an vi A mixed fight of IAF warplanes: 4 fir C-75, an F-45 and an F-16 ty over the Tal Aviv suburb of Ramat or to pre-independence Day ty ly) over’ rehearsals. (Ofer KarnlDF 2) Soxesman} stew ae call T.Head on viow of the Kir C-7 fighter bomber, with its ful ordnance payload of air-to-air miss cleat slays, Atnough a sre ata. ts combat aus of 757 plete with a 2.6001, bo uy and neat fing gar bonber. (Swan Faeyr Spokesman} ‘A Kil C-7 fighter-bomber and its ejection seat apparatus is cisplayed Nn anonymous aibase in southor Israel. Note Shafir 2 al-o-a 08 ‘on pylon. (IDF Spokesman) ‘corporal and master technician goas over har checklist prior to taking caro of her ship—a Kfir C-7. There is a saying in the IAF—"Bahind every (great plane stands a great woman! DF Spokesman) 20ed Intimate view of the KfirC-7 cockpit, in which the advanced digital anc 4.U.D, panels are clearly seen. (Courtesy Israel Aitcraft Industries) og oy A Khir C27, ‘anonymous airba shows off (ts fuoltank, missilo and bomb-carrying capabilites. OF resting note isthe new, safer, th color camouilage scheme now appiod to both the KflrC-7 (as featured her), a we as onthe F-16, (Courtesy: Yoav tra n display at an southern Israel ‘altbace in central Israel, mecha clectronic skeleton ofthe KflrC-7 fighter. The ablty of the IAF to achieve ry ofthe uh a statement to the dadiation and talents ofthe graund crews asthe courage and sl othe fyers. (DF Spokesman) 'A KtieC-7, one ofthe more beloved ai banks a sharp right tun over the Dead S ato ever fy the IAF colors: ‘uring a routine patel of the fadomed in alight gray alr ed, along wih two Python: fkies over southom Israel. The airraft superonty scheme, Note adltonal fut tan 3 airto-ait mists. (IDF Spokesman)2 Day th-by rebarsas, a ormation of MeDonnel Douglas F-15 Eagles shale a fow windows and caplure the imaginations of thousands dung a pass over Juana. IDF Spokesman) {a eae! Aircratt Industries (Al) moctfiod Booing 707 fuels u A row of mighty Eagles—on the tarmac at thei temporary parking spots at an anonymous airbase in ait torair superiorly markings are standard for the IAPs Eagles. (Biton Hey! Ha‘avir, a‘of Bate: the MeDonnel Doualas F: ‘aftemoon patrol. (IDF Spokesman) Teipor Ha'Esh or “Frebire'—an F-1S tamer \s issued with the ‘obligatory thum’s up trom the ground crew betore a training fight. Te F 15 ig the rst choice for many hopefuls Inthe tAF Pils Course, although very few have the temperament and skil to become Eagle drvers. (Biton Hey! Ha'Avir, Il modified Bocing 707 tanker blazes a lin of thirsty F- mele Mount and the Western Wal. (Biton Hoy! Ha’Avir 23,During airtorair maneuvers, an F-15 Eagle makes a roling turn to set Isat into advantageous fring postion. (Biton Heyl Ha’Avir Armed with an aay of Sidewinders and equipped with external fuel tanks, an F-15 awa its pilot betore tying ait suppor tor an ant lorrorit raid in Lebanon. (Biton Hey! HavAvir Wearing his G-sult, an IAF pilot ooks on at his Eagle nicknamed "Hurricane," as it undergoes maintenance at an anonymous Israel aitase. (Biton Hey! Ha’Avin ‘An ary moming wake-up calltAF style. Belore most civilans are heading off fo work and most school chien awake, the roar of Mach 2 ‘capable engines shatiers ear dcums at airbases all ver lerael Here, in tno ‘cenier ofthe county, an F-15 takes of. (Michae! GllagVIDF Spokesman)An F-15 tainer, named Chetz M'Keshot (loosely translated as “An Arow from the Bow, takes of rom a base in central lerael fora "routine patrol of the loraeli skies, Note two roundels painted below canopy, icaling thatthe aircraft has already blown two MiGs out of the sky in Gogtights over Lebaron during “Operation Peace for Galles.” (Biton Heyl a’avin a gi During independence Day colebrations, an F-15 named Kommando (or “Commando" is put on proua dlepiay wth the varied ordnance this righty eiterat can carry. Note the sx ed, white and black roundels painted fon the fuselage, cling tha this F-15 san ace pls on! IDF Spokesman) ‘The ground crew of an F-15 named Aa‘am [or “Thunder ready thet bi fo: take-off on a runway stp. Just ‘another aircraft, and “another pict, this (rd cesponsible for the downing of four Syrian MiGs. (IDF Spokesman) oft alone with his thoughts, an F-15 driver stow rls out his acral prior to take-off rom an anonymous airbase in central lsacl. Note “Eagle insignia > tal (IDF Spokesman){An F-15 nicknamed “Commando” undergoes some much needed maintenance at an anonymous aifbase in contra Israel. ‘The abity of IAF technicians, mechanics and ground exews to keep the high-tech, Mach 2 compiexiios in the air has been as much a factor inthe IAF's success story as its legendary picts land daring and innovative commanders. (]OF Spokesman) ‘An F-15D, the two-seat training version ofthe F-15C, tes high above the pains of central israel during a routine patrol. is ame is Markia Schakim, or “Sky Blazer” (IDF Spokesman) ‘An IAF F-16A named Aa‘am [or “Thunder” awaits its spot for take-off at an anonymous. aifoase in central tera. Note markings for 4 Syrian MEG kils and aicralt named Bazak (0° Flash n background. (IOF Spokesman) ‘The aircraft which brought the IAF into the 1980s and, if al 1 Nald true, wil ¢09 it wol beyond the 21st century: ting Faloon-—the fst FG racelved by the IAF (Courtesy: Yoav Eta)BF vexing tet weve covras ard bright re ves. an F-16 Fphing oot age aaa soir serrate une esotctee graphed posedre of guise ho areata the gine (Ban Hoyt maa ‘An F-16 pilot receives the O.X. from the ground traffic contraller during eatly moming scramble “somewhere” in cantral Istae\ (Biton Hey! neavin ot 8 or ._ na An FAG Fighting Falcon takes off for an early moming yay af canta is nate aiveraft only carving one Sidewinder air-to-air miss. (VAF)(Biton Hey! Ha’he ‘A veteran of Lebanon and @ MiG setor—an F-16 Fighting Falcon sits on tarmac at an airbase in southem seael, Note Syrian Ai Force rounde! ed on below cockpit. window Biton Hey! Ha’avir) Close-up view ofthe cockpit af an F-16 with a unique location displayed or the IAF squadron emblom. (Biton Hoy! Ha’Aviry Tho Fighting Faloon and the Star of David: the airerat designated the most popular IAF aircraft of the 1960s tat sti promises tobe in servco throughout the fist decade ofthe 21st century. (Michael Gilag/IDF Spokesman)The pilot of an F-16 Fighting Falcon checks with the ground controler ‘A young Captain undergoes his standars pre-fight check ist befor forthe thumbs up and permission for take-of| (Blton Hey! He‘Avir, leacing his squadron on an operational patrol. Note AIM-OL/M Sidewinder always ready for possible action. (Biton Hey! He‘Avir) During fl-batle rehearsals, an F- At a protective shelter at ar anonymous air base in central Israe, ‘grounderew machanic makes the fins Adjustments to an F-16. prior “OKaying’ it for tako-otl. (i Spokesman) 16. is scrambled and protecting its airbase in usta matter of minutos; note landing gear revacing and the General Elect F110-GE-100 engine with its 7,344 kilograms of theust power. (IDF Spokesman) 30for a spot on the unway prio to an operational patra jer. (Ro'ey Cohen’ IDF Spokesman) ‘aroma of jet fuel vitually 24-hours a 31 A newly acquires F160 is inspected—and admirad—inside its protective shelter, The two-seat F-16Ds have a dorsal spine housing Israel made avionics apparently for ant fis Weaso?” oporations, (Yuval NavorDF Spokesman) midnight traning scramble. TAF th the roar of jet engines and tho . (Biton Heyl Ha'Avir)ea An F-160 takes of uring a training fight—Because it was the F-16 that ablterate iraq's clear reactor, many young eighteen-year-olds lucky enough tehave made i into plots course, mast express a desire to tly the Fighting Falcon. (Biton Heyl Ha’Avie a a eS An F-160 makes low-eveltvoy past lsraet's Meaterranean coastine durin ‘Spokesman a routine taining mizsion—note extemal fuel tanks cari fr fight (IDF A tistoric moment in the history o the AF and. Israel's aerospace Industry—the Israel Airerat Industries Lavi seen ‘here during is inaugural take-off on January 1, 1987, at Ai headquarters at Lod. (IDF Spokesman)On the take-off wating lst at an ‘anonymous airbase in central lea! the beloved Skyhawk awaits Permission from the control tower before heading into the skies for a raining Fight. ts scheme has remained the same since the lst aircraft were received In the vary lato 1960s. (IDF ‘Spokesman) ‘The old war horse of the Hey! Ss) HavAvir the Skyhawk. Its seen nore armed with rookst launchers fing ovar A!) tne snow-capped peaks of Mt. Hermon. Biton Hey! Ha‘Avin) With externa fuel tanks and 20mm rocket pods, a Skyhawk patrols the shies of nodhem Israel, Although a slower and far less maneuverable ateratt than the F-16, the Skyhawk is sturdy warir sil revered in IAF oreies (Bilton Hey! Ha‘avir, The Buddy Sysiem—IAF style! Over the ils of Gatleo, a pair of Skyhawks, one armed for air-to-air combat with Python 3 ai-o-ar missles, ‘andthe other carying adctonal cl ty ‘low:evel patrol. (Biton Heyl Ha’Avinfly high above central Israel prior to a practice attack run, (Biton Hey A fight of four Siedgehammers (the IAF nickname for the S: Ha’Avin Mid-air rotueling over northe ‘uN curing a routine patrol Havavin Famed in the (AF's history book of Super Phantom/Siedgenammers eel off in formation bafore making & maneuvers. in central Israel. (BYfon Hey! Ha’AvirA Kurnas 2000, seen here in an air superior rola with an underbelly sting with air-to-air misie fos the teacheroussteton of airspace above Stil @ mighty plooo of Mach 2 n lsrael (Bion Heyl Ha’Avie) firepower (Biton Hey! Ha’Avin ‘A colotu Kfir 7, “decorated” in ray air superiority scheme although ‘equipped with camoutlaged fuel tanks ols tho skies over northern tetas Note squadron emblem cleary visible, (Biton Hey! Ha‘Avir) In a low-level fyby of Jerusalem, |sraol capital, a fight of Kfrs ratte al windows and dravin a great 21 of altontion, (Biton Hey! Ha’Avin)1d mechanic prio to take-ot ‘A unique, 80 ‘orking relationship exists between lsraa airmen and ther ground erewmen, and women. larae pote have abso faith in the men who fuel their aircraft, prepare thei cockpits, and load the weapon systems. Israel ground crews have absolute confidence in thei pilots to return ther acre back In one piece. (Biton Hey! Ha’Avir, ‘zealot fortress at Metzada, which was: ‘A stoic remindor of Jewish resolve of the past and present: three Kfirs make a low-level yy oft siilation. (Biton Heyl Ha’Avir in AD. 71 by the Romans alter elenders commited suicide rather than acquiosco to slavery and tine. Unlike many a 1nd his partner is joined by an IAF Kurnas (Super Phantom) and an F-16 over the Mediterranean jot seen extensive combat, (Biton Hey! Ha’Avi) Flying point, a Kfir C forces around the world, the IAF dogs not have a fighter bomber that hasthe last member of the “Lion's Cub” family of combat aircraft fo enter IAF service (in 1983) tank carried, as well as compliment of Rafaol Python 2 alrto-ar misses, also of interest isthe three oolor ouflage scheme unique to the KfirC-7airrat. (Courtesy: Israel Aircraft Indust Tarmac rush hour—lAF style. In tho air, the plots may be kings but on he ground itis the tower that rules al uring the early morning take-of ine. a ht of Kfirs jockey or postion. (Biton Hey! Ha'avin re view of te IAI KFITC 2, the at tandem ‘vainer of the KMr sly of alvrat. The Hebrew sign at 7 font of the cockpit says: Ze'hirut Chupah Nefitza [or “Wersing Exploding Canopy/). (Yuval Navon IDFYad Ha'Nofetz” (“Tho Exploding Hand") the affectionate nickname of this McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eaple—tne most capable and mightiest of aireatt to ever serve the Hey! Ha’Avi. (Blton Hey! Ha’Avir ‘Amid the Eucalyptus trees of a northern Israeli airbase, an F-15 ta for take-of on a sur-baked runway. (Bitom Heyl Ha’Avin During NBC exercises, wwo Eagle rors walk away from their bi bedecked in full A’ba’eh (the Hebrew facronym for NBC warfare). This scenario, wich almost came to full anc dead truth curing the Gut War ana the SSCUD bit, is taken very seriously b IAF planners. (Biton Hey! Ha’Avin Dramatic photograph of an F15 agi, is afterbumers bursting In {ul low, as it heads toward operational aitude over the nortnem Israel skies for a routine, though never routine, patrol (Btton Hoyt HavAvin 38Casting @ shadow on the arly stoic mountains of the Negev ert, to F-15s, one a trainer and his wingman, practice ground hugging maneuvers. (Biton Hey! Ha’Avir) A Sytian MIG pilot's worst nightmare—tving in tight formation, a nter group of F-15 Eagles makes a menacing dive toward a group of mulated targets during altto-ait sxorcises. Note that several of those Eagles are confirmed MIG killers. ‘Biton Hoy! Ha’Avi) Two fully armed F-15s, one named “Commando” and the other “Sky Blazer" tly over nother Israel: both aera ara also proficent Syrian MiG kilos as indicated by the red, white and black roundels painted undemeath the cockpit (Biton Hey! Ha’Avir)IN MY SIGHT? During dogsfight maneuvers over the skies of southern Israel, @ pair of F-18 enact and portect what the real how is tke N10 battle they have executed with ‘Two Tayasim (or “plts") from an F-16 Fighting Fak ‘squadion enier their F-16D. They wear standard Israal copies ‘of American fight suits, G-voss: the survival gear, however, = {an indigenous design. (Biton Hey! Ha’Avin A pair of Fighting Faloons share the ses over central Israe uring early moming patrol—photograph Shows 10 advantage the Fighting Falcon’: ‘squadron markings (Biton Hey! Ha'avir,of an IAF C-180 He tude Yo await me 1 16 awaits ts thumbs up for take-off, (Bion Hey! Ha’Avir) them tsrael. a makes a tinal betore rhe Negev (Biton Hey! ha'avin ate, thes a patrol (Biton Hey! Ha’Avir) eset of southern (rae). (Blton Hey!An F-160 returns to base ater a sucoesslul training mission with only one air-to-air misali.(Bton Heyl Ha'Avi, t overall view of the mo ofthe AF s feet ot F-16 Fighting Falcons. (Biton Hey! Havavin ‘Somewat out of place, and yet accepted as a member of the family, i 16 Fighting Falcon. (Biton Heyl Ha’Avin 42Its engine fueled, its contol pan futy iluminated— even with Russian instructions —and its headlights it, the JAF's MIG-28 taxis on the. runway at an slroase in central Israal. (IDF Spokesman) Laden down with enough supplies to Keep the most active paratroop battalions fighting fr afew days of incessant freight, @ C-130 Hercules takes off from a base in southern lerael with the assistance of rocket booster. (IDF Spokesman) Its wings extended, and engine hing the envelope of its 12,745, iograms of thrust. the Israel MiG-23 Fogger takes off fr a practice fhght onatan Torgownw/lDF Spokesman) ‘Two CH'53 Yasur choppers are refueled in mid-aic courtesy of a 0-190 carrying additional fuel tanks. The aircraft are fying over the Sea of Gace. (Bilon Hey! Ha’avir)Teukit, river and acrobatic aicrat inside its protective sheter. (Samuel M. Katz) Food fr tought for any helicopter 3. A Cobra passes the remains of a Syrian Mi8 chopper downed by Israel fre over the Golan Heights during the last major war fought over the votcanic heights (Biton Hey! Ha’avin A Cobra pilot and a Merkave rommander discuss tactics dur ge-scalewinier maneuvers northern lsrael_ atop the voloan: plateau of the Golan Heights. (Bitor ‘Hey! Ha’Avir)ft of Cobras swoop iow for the Kil during a taining exercise near the Golan Heights. The Cobras wore an instrumental tool in the 7d battle campaign in Lebanon, during the 1982 War. (Biton Heyl Ha’Avin air and lana ‘Somewhat maverick in hs eather fight jacket, a Deferdor scans across the ails at his bia, belore embarking on @ 1" Pato of Martyrandin southern Lebanon. (Bitan Heyl DDetender prepares to touch down in “enemy tettry” ater recenneitering the area for enemy activity during anti-tank exercises in northem Israel, (DF Spokesman)“Two Defenders kick up the daset sad white fying a “safar” mission in ‘Rav-Seron (raj) and Defender plot confers with his trusted support of Iiendly forces during large-scale bolore tying an ant-terroist patrol over nerhem Israel. Note leather i (Biton Hey! Ha'avir, and patch sewn on let sleeve (Bifon Hey! Ha’Avie, Aoife FS Armed with the deadly He missile, an AH-64 Apache searche targets, during a taining exercise ssquacron symbol. (Biton Hey! Ha’ Fiying in tight patrol formation, a flight of AH-84 Apaches fly a routine patrol over northern Israel, By far more owedul, aster ana more powertlly ‘armed than anything in the Arab ‘arsenal, the 1AF's acquistion of tne ‘Apache has once again pushed the IAF into a level boyond anything else that Could be encountered in the region, (Biton Hey! Ha’Avin‘Searching the rocky shoreline off of the Lebanese coast for possible terrorist hiding spots, @ Belk212 crew make a very lowievel search, (Biton Hey! Ha'Avir) 1 | During joint maneuvers with the IDFINavy, @ Yasur makos a low love pass over a Dabur patrol boat. The cooraination between all three branches ofthe IDF is truly remarkabe land one of the reasons behinds overall success. (Biton Hey! Ha’Avir) A Sikorsky CHS9 Yasur, the largest transport chopper in’ IAF servica, le erueial 10. long-range ‘operations throughout the region; itis seen here approaching the snow capped peak of Mi. Hermon, (Biton Hey! Ha’Avir)=m = Wiel camautiaged for service inside the inhospitable confines of tl desert, wo CH-53 raced down towards @ gorge to unload a force of {trough somewhat out ofits element above land and above the Dor Infantryman during assault exercises. (Biton Hey! Ha'Avi othe Flock mosdua in Jerusalem a SA 385 Dauphin 2 gots accimated wit ee z the terain ofthe Israel landscape, (Biton Hey! Ha‘Avir) Spe cen renee antec saree ans Se ee, ae ta ok oe i aie -‘The prototype of what was touted to be the IAF's ight ber of the futuro—the Lavi for “Lion” Over-budget and position from American arcra manufecturors eventually shot wn this. ambitious and technologically advanced project Biton Heyl Ha’Avir) = | | j ‘The lsrael Aircraft Industries Lavi seen Nero during its inaugural ight on January 1, 1987, at IAI Readquarers at Lod. t's arival sparked pride among oficers who eagerly anticipated tying a truly remarkable home-grown airralt—is combination of F-16 and Kfir designs, together with top-secret and iy advanced Israok avionics—ol ther own bur it was, however, 100 expensive and eventually shelved. (Btn Hey! Ha’Avin = Armed to the teeth, an F-16 escorts a one-line Syrian MiG-23 Flogger-B which defected to Israel on October 11, 1989; now. wit ts Sta of Davie fem, Ri a welcomed member of the Hey! Ha‘avir (IDF Spokesman) 49A sight which, it ean be assumed, nota singe Israc Ar Force ocor over ‘thought he'd witness: an IAF MiG-23 1akos-off in dramatic fashion for a ‘ceremonious tyby on Air Force Day. (IDF Spokesman) Stil in fis Synan_ Air Fore: camouflage scheme bul in the hands © Major, a veteran ot Hey! Ha’avirios pilot and adored with the Star c David, the IP's sole copy of the MIG. 23, awaits tho groen light for take-o (IDF Spokesman) October 1, 1989, At an atstip i northae Israel, Major Adel Bassem's MiG-23 is examined by amusec soldiers and highty cuttous air force ‘officers. (IDF Spokesman)