Israel Air Force History

The famous A-4N Ahit in glory days of the IAF. The Ahit in IAF service served in ten squadrons from 1967 till 2015. Seen here the A-4N Ahit of Tayeset 102 'The Flying Tiger Squadron' at Hatzerim.

Piet Luijken

The DC-3/C-47 Dakota in IAF service was the backbone of the transport force. The Dakota served in three squadrons (103, 120 and 122 Sqn). On duty in 1977, this C-47 of 122 Sqn at Mt Sinai.

Jaap Dijkstra

The Mirage 3CJ Shahak, the notorious fighter during the Six Day War (June 1967), served in four squadrons (101, 117, 119 and 253 Sqn). Seen here is Shahak 159 of 101 Sqn with 13 kills.

Jaap Dijkstra

Due to a French arms embargo after the Six Day War (June 1967), the ordered Mirage 5 aircraft was postponed and Israel decided to manufacture their own 'Mirage-like' fighter, the Nesher. The Nesher served in five squadrons (101, 113, 117, 144 and 253 Sqn). In 101 and 117 Sqn the Nesher filled the squadrons due to losses of Mirage aircraft. Shown here is a Nesher of 113 'The Hornet' Squadron, based at Hatzor.

Jonathan Verschuuren

The Avia S-199 from Czechoslovakia, based on the Messerschmitt Bf109G with a Junkers engine, was the first fighter in IAF service. Twentyfour entered service in May 1948. Due to the inefficiency and because of a high rate of attrition the Avia's were replaced by Spitfires in 1949. The Avia S-199 were based at Herzliya

unknown - IAF Museum

The Gloster Meteor was the first jet to enter IAF service. The IAF operated three versions: F.8 fighter, T.7 trainer and NF.13 for reconnaissance. Seen here is Meteor F.8 from 117 'The First Jet' Squadron, based at Ramat David

Jonathan Verschuuren

For Early Warning duties during air combat missions, the IAF acquired four E-2C Daya platforms and served in 192 'The Hawkeye' Squadron from Hatzerim. The E-2C operated from 1978 till 1994.

Jaap Dijkstra

During the 'American' period the IAF acquired many F-4E Kurnas' to equip five squadrons (69, 105, 107, 119 and 201 Sqn). The Kurnas was mainly used as bomber during the War of Attrition (1968 - 1972) and the Yom Kippur War (1973). Seen here is a RF-4E reconnaissance Kurnas from 107 'The Orange Tail' Sqn, based at Hatzerim.

Oren Rozen

The IAI Kfir, the indigenous Israeli fighter, based on the airframe of the Mirage 5, but powered with the Phantom engine. The Kfir was mainly used as attack platform. Shown here is the most upgraded Kfir C7 with 144 Sqn markings. The Kfir served the IAF in six squadrons.

Piet Luijken

The first jet trainers in IAF service, the Fouga Magister. During the Six Day War in 1967, two reserve squadrons (140 and 147 Sqn) were formed for light bomber missions. Later the Magisters were upgraded to Tzukit trainers. The Magister served the IAF from 1968 till 2009.

Jaap Dijkstra

The IAF flew two squadrons (160 and 161 Sqn) with AH-1E/H Tsefa gunships from 1978 till 2014 from Palmachim. The last years the AH-1 was being used for training IAF helicopter pilots at Ovda in 115 Sqn and Hatzerim. Yet, the AH-1 Tsefa has been retired from service.

Stephan de Bruijn

The Bell-206 Saifan served from 1971 till 2003 the IAF in 125 'The Light Helicopter' Squadron from Sde Dov. After the disbandment of this unit, the Saifans are being used for training helicopter pilots at Hazterim.

Stephan de Bruijn

During the French period (1955 till 1967) the IAF acquired 60 Mystere IVA fighters to equip three squadrons (101, 109 and 116 Sqn). Seen here is a Mystere IVA from 109 'The Valley' Squadron, based at Ramat David.

Oren Rozen

For the longrange missions, the IAF equipped two squadrons (110 and 119 Sqn) with Vautour bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. Seen here is a Vautour of 110 Sqn, based at Ramat David

Oren Rozen

During the French period, the IAF acquired 75 Ouragans in two batches and they were operated in two squadrons (107 and 113 Sqn). The Ouragan was an excellent close support fighter during the wars. Seen here is an Ouragan from 107 'The Lion Head' Squadron, based at Ramat David.

Oren Rozen

The Bell-205 Iroqouis entered IAF service in 1972 and replaced the S.58 in 123 'The Southern Bell' Squadron and in 124 'The Rolling Sword' Squadron. The Bell-205 was very usefull during casualty evacuation operations during the wars. In 1978 the Bell-205s were replaced by the two enginge Bell-212 Anafa.

Fred Willemsen

The N2501 Noratlas served the IAF from 1956 till 1978 in 103 'The Flying Elephant' Squadron from Tel Nof and Lod. Used as troop carrier the Noratlas flew many missions during the wars. The N2501 was replaced by the C-130E Karnaf.

Oren Rozen

The SA321K Tsir'a was flown from 1966 till 1994 by 114 'The Super Frelon' Squadron from Tel Nof. This large helicopter was mainly used for tranporting elite units behind enemy lines during the different wars.

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