F-16A/B Fighting Falcon
Israel Retires F-16A/B ‘Netz’ Fighters
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has retired its early model Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft following the completion of deliveries of the Alenia M-346 Master advanced jet trainer and the arrival of the first of its Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs). The last of the IAF’s approximately 90 F-16A/B […]
Israel’s 5-Year Plan Bulks Up Combat Capabilities; Cuts Manpower
The Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) latest five-year plan, roughly half of the 310 billion shekel ($78.6 billion) projected for defense spending through 2020, aims to bulk up cyber-protected, networked combat capabilities while cutting back on manpower and non-combat support services. Dubbed Gideon, the plan is designed to augment the IDF’s capacity to fight in multiple […]
Israel Details F-16 ACE Bid for Croatia
Israel is offering Croatia surplus Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs upgraded to the ACE configuration, as replacements for its Mikoyan MiG-21 fighters. The Israeli air force is phasing out its F-16A/B-model trainers, ahead of deliveries of the new-generation Lockheed F-35A, which are expected to begin in 2017. Conducted by Israel Aerospace Industries, in co-operation with several other […]
Elbit Begins Year With Twin Israeli PFI Wins
Elbit Systems began the year with US $190 million in long-term business from two new private financing initiative (PFI) outsourcing deals with Israel’s Ministry of Defense. The first, announced Sunday, is an 11-year contract to maintain front-line fighter avionics systems on behalf of the Israel Air Force (IAF). Under the estimated $90 million award, the […]
Israeli Lavi Trainer Squadron Nears Readiness
An Israeli air force squadron equipped with Alenia Aermacchi M-346 “Lavi” advanced jet trainers is close to being declared operational, having already received nine aircraft from an eventual 30-strong fleet. Israel’s first M-346 landed at Hazerim air base in the south of the country last July, and deliveries are continuing on schedule. Being introduced as […]
Israel to Test Rocket-Assisted Take-Off with F-16
The Israeli air force is developing a short field operating capability for its Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters, based on the use of a rocket-assisted take-off. A first test is scheduled for next year, with the air force having decided to develop such a system for its F-16A/B, C/D and I-model variants. Rocket assistance can be […]
Gaza War Leaned Heavily On F-16 Close-Air Support
Hundreds of the more than 6,000 targets struck from the air during Israel’s 50-day urban war in Gaza were from fighter jets delivering one-ton bombs in record time and in close proximity to friendly ground forces. After-action accounts of Operation Protective Edge show unprecedented use of fixed-wing fighters for close air support (CAS) of urban […]
Israel Poised to Receive First M-346 ‘Lavi’
The Israeli air force’s first Alenia Aermacchi M-346 advanced jet trainer will land at the service’s Hatzerim air base later this week. A further 29 of the type will follow before the end of 2016. The air force has named the M-346 the “Lavi”; the name previously carried by the Israel Aerospace Industries fighter developed in the […]
Pakistan Could Take Additional Jordanian F-16s
Pakistan could acquire more Jordanian Lockheed Martin F-16 A/B Block 15 aircraft, as it prepares to receive the final two examples of the current deal for 13 aircraft. An air force spokesman says the number of F-16’s could increase, but did not provide specific numbers. From late April, Pakistan has received 11 former Jordanian F-16s. The arrival […]
PAF Acquires F-16s From Jordan
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has acquired one squadron of F-16 multi-role fighter aircraft from Jordan and 13 F-16s will be inducted into the service next month. With this, the strength of PAF F-16s will reach 76. The fighter aircraft have been purchased from Jordan and they were in the use of the Royal Jordanian […]
Is Israel About to Lose Its Edge in the Air?
In a September 2 letter to Congress, Secretary of State John Kerry insisted that Washington would ensure Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge (QME) in the wake of the Iran nuclear deal. The letter highlighted items the Obama administration has provided Israel, including the delivery of Jerusalem’s first F-35 stealth fighters slated for next year. But expectations […]