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TIP
OF THE
SWORD
The Israeli Air Force in Action
REPORT and PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIR BEN-YOSEF
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As a tiny country surrounded by outwardly hostile neighbors, Israel's security needs are a visceral part of its everyday life. It is no surprise then that the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has evolved into one of the world's most potent fighting forces. Despite its relatively small size and daunting mission, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) fulfills its role by relying on a mix of technology, tactics and tenacity that is renowned and respected throughout the world, by allies and enemies alike.
The Israeli Air Force had its modest beginnings during Israel's War of Independence in 1948. With a ragtag mix of aircraft including Avia S-199s (ironically, Czech-built Bf-109s), Supermarine Spitfires, Boeing B-17s and P-51 Mustangs, the IAF gained a reputation for getting the job done with whatever they had on hand.
As time progressed, the IAF upgraded its capabilities by obtaining more advanced
aircraft. In the late 1960s and 70s, the
IAF flew a mixture of Dassault Mirages,
McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms and A-4 Skyhawks. These aircraft were put to immediate use as the IAF engaged in several wars and engagements over the years since 1948.
After emerging victorious, but not unscathed, from the Six Day War, the War of Attrition and the Yom Kippur War, the IAF undertook a period of expansion and improvement which saw the acquisition of more advanced US aircraft such as the F-16 (the Netz, Barak and Sufa in the IAF), F-15 (Baz) and the F-15E (Ra'am).
With its eye always looking toward the future and potential threats, the IAF will be adding the fifth-generation F-35 and tiltrotor MV-22 Osprey to its arsenal. In support of ground operations, the IAF operates a mix of AH-64s, AH-1s, CH-53s and UH-60s among others. Meanwhile, C-130s and converted 707s provide long range transport, command and control capabilities and aerial refueling capabilities.