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| The roots of the IDF/AF go back to 1947 when the Air Service was created by the Palmach, the resistance movement for a free and independent Israel. Those first days nearly everything that could fly was put in to service.Because of a weapons embargo the Israeli's had to find their aircraft trough other means, mostly by smuggling Spitfires, Mosquitos and other aircraft.Throughout the years the IDF/AF grew out and got more modern aircraft like Spitfires and P-51's followed the S-199. In 1953 the jet age started also within the IDF/AF when the Air Force purchased in England their first Gloster Meteors in the United Kingdom. Also some jet aircraft were bought in France which came just in time for the first major conflict after the War of Independence with Egypt. |
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1956 was the year of the Sinai campaign. Within a few days the IDF took the whole Sinai desert and Israeli forces stood on the banks of the Suez canal.After this war the modernisation of the IDF/AF sped up and the first Fouga Magisters were delivered by France and Germany.The sixties were the days of the delivery of the first Mach 2 Fighters and the infamous Six Day War. The Mirage III played a very important role during the Six Day war.Result of this war was however a weapons embargo called up by France and England. So Israel had to turn to the USA for new and modern weapons.The first Phantoms and Skyhawks were delivered to the IDF/AF at the end of the sixties. |
 Aircraft of the IAF :
Fighter/Attack aircraft :
- F-16 Falcon A/BC/D/I ''Netz'' ''Barak''
F-16I
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A multi-role fighter that serves Heyl Ha'avir in attack and interception missions. The plane entered service in 1980, and forms the IAF's backbone to this day. The F-16's carry out a wide range of complex missions, from attacking deep in enemy territory to air superiorityHeyl Ha'avir evinced interest in the F-16 when it was just in its early development stages.The first four F-16's - two single seat A models and two tandem seat B models - landed in Israel on July 2nd 1980.In the months that preceded 'Peace for the Galilee', the F-16's had shot down five Syrian fighters: three MiG-21's and two MiG-23's. It was during this time that negotiations began for the purchase of 75 more F-16 C and D models, but this was postponed because of the war in Lebanon, and was only finalized in August of 1983.A new F-16 squadron was established on August 1st 1994, and was equipped by 50 F-16 A/B planes that Israel received from the USAF surplus.They then underwent improvement, which mostly meant engine upgrades and retrofitting of unique IAF systems. |
- F-15 Eagle ''Baz''
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An air dominance fighter manufactured in the USA. Since entering service with Heyl Ha'avir in 1976, the F-15 has registered numerous kills and participated in long range attacks, including as the raid on PLO headquarters in Tunis in 1985. Even now, after more than 20 years in operational service, the F-15 is one of the IAF's first line fighters. In October 1993 the IAF received 25 F-15s from the USAF surplus. The first 5 planes arrived from the States after an one day stopover in Europe, and proceeded to an IAF airbase in central Israel.In 1995 Heyl Ha'avir embarked upon the the 'Baz-2000' program for improving the F-15s and readying them for battlefield of the 21st century. |
- F-15I ''Ra'am''
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The Ra'am is a special version of the F-15E Strike Eagle that was designed specifically for Israel by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing). Its tremendous payload capacity, combined with its advanced systems, enable it to carry out depth attacks with a large weapons load, at long ranges, at low altitude, in all hours of the day and night and in any weather conditions.. Heyl Ha'avir decided to purchase 25 planes, at a price of just over $2 billion. These were basically E models that had been slightly modified, and marked 'F-15I' - with the 'I' standing for Israel. |
- Kfir
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The first Kfir was handed over to the IAF in front of a large audience that had assembled for the ceremony at Israel Aircraft Industries' plant on the eve of Israel's Independence Day in 1975.In the years that followed, the Kfirs saw service in a number of different IAF squadrons.
The Kfir was given its first chance to prove its mettle on November 9th 1977. Kfirs were sent to attack Tel Azia, a terrorist training base in Lebanon, and carried out their task with great success.All in all, over 100 Kfirs were built, of the Kfir C2, Kfir C7 and double-seated TC2 Kfir models. |
- F-4 Phantom ''Kurnas''
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A multi-task fighter that entered service in Heyl Ha'avir in 1969, and makes an important contribution to its power to this day. The plane participated in the War of Attrition, the Yom Kippur War and Operation 'Peace for the Galilee', and is credited with more than 100 kills. It was decided to purchase the tandem seat E model, which was in development at the time. The RF-4E's generally take to the skies armed with just air-to-air missiles for self defense, but if called upon they are also capable of carrying out air-to-ground strikes. |
- A-4 Skyhawk ''Ayit''
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The Skyhawk was the first attack plane that the US agreed to sell Israel. A special version of the plane - the A-4H - was developed for the IAF, which featured improved avionics, augmented carrying capacity and a break chute at the tail. Dozens of these planes entered service, and were Heyl Ha'avir's primary attack plane in the War of Attrition.In early 1973, another Skyhawk model entered service: the A-4N, which still serves in the IAF. This is an improved model, with a higher capacity engine, a cockpit with improved visibility, 30 mm. cannon and better maneuvering ability, among other things. |
Transport/Tanker :
- C-130 ''Karnaf''
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The Hercules' many roles are largely a result of its good performance, and its ability to carry a relatively large payload while operating from short airstrips.The first pair of Hercules transports arrived in Israel in October of 1971.After the war, the IAF ordered additional C-130H planes. These were delivered between May of 1974 and November of 1976, and included several KC-130H midair refueling models.
In the years following the war, the planes that had served in Yom Kippur underwent thorough renovation. The engines - which had proven weak and unreliable - were replaced. The avionics were improved and the wing beams replaced with new ones. The cockpit was also improved, and all of the planes were upgraded to the more advanced H model. |
- IAI ''Arava''
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The first transport that was planned and produced in Israel. The prototype first flew on November 27th 1969.The military version of the plane has a stronger power plant and can carry 24 armed troops, 17 fully equipped paratroopers, or 2.5 tons of cargo. The plane can also be armed with various weapons if necessary.In the Yom Kippur War, several 'Arava 201' planes were conscripted by the IAF for transport missions in the Sinai.Heyl Ha'avir also purchased the more advanced model of the Arava, the Arava 202, which is equipped with more powerful engines. Today, the Arava is one of the IAF's principal troop-carrying transports.
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- Boeing-707 ''Re'em''
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The IAF's largest transport plane. The 707 was developed in the early 1950's as a transport and refueling plane for the US Navy. Its service in the IAF began in the Yom Kippur War, during which it was used for flying armed personnel to Refidim and other airfields in the Sinai. After the war, several planes were purchased from TWA and other airlines, and additional 707s were leased from the Israel Aircraft Industries.From 1983 on, the Boeings began to carry out midair refueling of fighters, thus lengthening the IAF's range. |
Reconnaissance :
- E-2C Hawkeye ''Daya''
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When it was purchased by the IAF, its radar systems were modified for operation over land. The Hawkeye's entry into service revolutionized the IAF's detection and command/control capabilities.The IAF was supplied with four Hawkeyes in 1978. They are an important complement to the ground control array.Every time the antenna makes a full rotation, the Hawkeye's radar beam covers an enormous area - 400 square km. of air space - and discovers any plane present within that space, with no interference from the ground and clear separation between adjacent objects. |
- Beechcraft King Air ''Tzufit''
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A patrol and reconnaissance plane with more advanced systems than the earlier version King Airs. The plane entered service with the IAF in 1990, and is used for intelligence gathering missions. The IAF makes extensive use of the Tzufit planes on routine security assignments and in exercises. |
Helicopters :
- AH-64A Apache ''Peten''
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January 17th 1990, the crew assigned to oversee the Apache's entry into the IAF went out to Fort Rucker, in order to retrain on the Apache and bring the choppers to Israel. The crew was led by Col. Moshe, the Cobra Squadron's commander, who was chosen to be the first Apache squadron's commander. A deal was signed for purchasing 18 A model Apaches, Hellfire missiles, and a maintenance package.The first two Apaches arrived in Israel in the cargo bay of an El Al Boeing 747, on the night of September 12th 1990.On the night of September 12th 1993, three years to the day from the establishment of the first Apache squadron, four American Galaxy C-5s landed in an IAF base, carrying 24 Apache AH-64A helicopters, which had been given to Israel as a gift. |
- AH-1 Cobra ''Tzefa''
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A US-made combat helicopter that has been serving in the IAF for over 20 years. The chopper has been proving its excellence in almost routine combat action in Lebanon, since the Peace for the Galilee campaign, and is especially lethal in an anti-tank role. |
- UH-60 Black Hawk ''Yansuf''
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A transport helicopter that entered service with the IAF in 1994 and serves for rescue and evacuation of wounded as well as tactical assault transport missions. Its high maneuverability and survivability, strong engines and high cargo carry capacity make it the optimal helicopter for complex and difficult rescue and transport missions.Over a decade after the initial decision in favor of the Black Hawk, in August 1994, Heyl Ha'avir received its first ten Black Hawk.In the course of 1998, Heyl Ha'avir acquired additional Black Hawks from Sikorsky, which had modified some of the systems in accordance with the IAF's specifications. |
- CH-53 ''Yas'ur''
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The IAF's main transport helicopter. Since entering service in 1969, the 'Yas'ur' has taken part in numerous operations in enemy territory. In these operations - most of which remain secret - the IAF has made full use of its varied capabilities in rescue, carrying large payloads, transporting troops and equipment and long distance flight.In September of 1969, in the course of the War of Attrition, the first two CH-53s arrived at the port of Ashdod, and received their Hebrew name, Yas'ur. They were sent into action in short order. On August 6th 1970 the first Yas'ur squadron was established. |
- Bell-212 ''Anafa''
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The helicopter, which entered service in the IAF in 1975, is identical in shape and dimensions to an older IAF helicopter, the single engine Bell-205, but has a much larger payload carry capacity - a feature which enables it to perform markedly better than the 205, even in adverse weather and on rough terrain.
The Anafa's advantages became quickly apparent when it entered service in the IAF - especially in rescue and evacuation missions. The helicopter carries out a wide range of rescue missions in different conditions, from the evacuation of troops from battle zones. |
Sources :
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IAF Homepage |
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FAS
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| The Israeli Navy is neither famous nor large. Long overshadowed by its more glamorous counterparts in the Tank Corps and the Israel Air Force, the Sea Corps has nevertheless built up an impressive record for itself and managed to make good use of its indigenous weapon technology and ship design. The Sea Corps first won acclaim in the Yom Kippur War of 1973 when it sank eight Arab FFLs without a the loss of a single Israeli vessel. The Israeli Sea Corps' main objective lies in defending the Israeli coastline. The heart of the fleet is the Sa'ar class of Fast Attack Craft, who with their exceptional offensive capability and high speed make excellent tools in the navy's overall scheme. The air wing of the navy is made up of maritime reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters used for search and rescue, generally with minimal armament. |
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With the added capabilities of the new Dolphin submarines and Eilat/Sa'ar V missile corvettes the Israeli Navy possesses the power to operate off of the coast of Libya or any other potential threat with a good deal of strength. New systems and techniques are being developed to meet the unsettling and quickly changing realities of modern naval warfare, from thrust vectored propulsion on the Super Dvora MkII patrol craft to the new Elisra ECM/ESM electronic warfare suite on the Sa'ar Vs.Israel developed the famous Gabriel ship-to-ship missile, for example, which made the difference during the Latakia engagement. As with Israeli forces on land and in the air, the navy must rely on its qualitative edge in technology, doctrine and tactics to offset the numerical advantage of Arab navies in the area, some of which have access to advanced Western equipment. |
| The Sa’ar V boats, INS Eilat, Lahav and Hanit, are the largest in the fleet and among the most sophisticated vessels of their size in the world. They are constructed with “stealthy” characteristics and armed with the latest missile systems. When INS Dolphin, the first of the German subs, arrived in Israeli waters in July 1999 — decked out in bright sea-green camouflage paint and loaded with Israeli-designed systems — it marked the culmination of a 15-year odyssey to expand the power projection capabilities of the IDF’s undersea force. As the nature and capabilities of Israel’s potential adversaries continues to evolve over the next decade, the ISN will play an increasingly important part in maintaining Israel’s peace and security, well out of proportion to its size and resources. |
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Ships of the ISN :
Corvettes/Missile Boats :
- Eilat (Saar 5) Class Corvettes
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In the early 1980s, the Israeli Navy awarded a contract to Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (formerly Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding) to supply three Sa'ar 5 Class corvettes for the Israeli Navy. The first of class, INS Eilat, was launched in February 1993, followed by INS Lahav in August 1993 and INS Hanit in March 1994.The ship's anti-air capability is based on the Barak missile system developed by IAI and Rafael. Two 32-cell vertical launch systems are installed on the raised gun deck at the bow of the ship.The ship has two four-cell Boeing Harpoon missile launchers.The ship's short to medium-range anti-ship missile is the IAI Gabriel II. There are eight launchers for the Gabriel II missile which uses dual mode semi-active and active radar homing with a 100 kg warhead.Airborne anti-submarine warfare capability is provided by the ship's helicopter. |
- Saar 4.5 Class Fast attack missile boat
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The Saar 4.5 represents the newest generation of small, fast-attack missile boats designed and built by ISRAEL SHIPYARDS LTD. (ISL) with flexibility to accept a full range of sensors and weapons. Its sophisticated systems, integrated by Elbit Systems Ltd., are highly reliable, easy to maintain and simple to operate. The semi-displacement hull form assures excellent seakeeping and enhanced crew comfort. The boat proved itself in the Mediterranean and Red Sea areas operated by the Israeli Navy as well as in Cape of Good Hope, South Pacific and Atlantic areas while serving in Foreign Navies.
Feature-packed with advanced capabilities and state-of-the-art equipment, the upgraded |
- Saar 4 Class Missile Boat
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The Saar 4 missile boats were built at the Israel shipyards and based on Israel Navy designs grounded in accumulated experience derived in the operation of "cherburg" (Saar 3)Being updated to Saar 4.5-class standard..Displacement: 450 tons Dimensions: 58.1 x 7.62 x 2.4 meters (190.5 x 25 x 8 feet) Propulsion: 4 diesels, 4 shafts, 10,680 bhp, 32 knots Crew: 45 Radar: TH-1 1040 air/surf search Fire Control: RTN-10X EW: MN-53 intercept, various intercept arrays, multiple RLs Armament: 2-4 Harpoon SSM, 6-8 Gabriel SSM, 1-2 76 mm OTO DP, 1 20 mm Phalanx CIWS, 2 20 mm, 4 12.7 mm MG |
- Super Dvora MK II Patrol Craft
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IAI Super Dvora MK II is the newest and most capable purpose-designed world class patrol craft. A worthy heir to the achievements of the Dabur, Dvora and Super Dvora classes, the Super Dvora MK II incorporates the experience of more than 20 years of combat and peacetime operations in various navies around the globe.
The combat proven Super Dvora MK II is capable of performing all-weather coastal-oriented surveillance, search and rescue missions, providing protection against variety of threats and coordinating complex operations with other air, sea and land-based systems.
The Israeli Navy has chosen the Super Dvora for its next generation coastal patrol and interdiction vessel. |
Submarines :
- SSK Dolphin Class attack submarine
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The first-of-class INS (Israeli Naval Ship) Dolphin was commissioned in 1999, INS Leviathan and INS Tekuma in 2000. The mission of the submarines is to carry out interdiction and surveillance operations and special missions. They replaced the Gal Class submarines, which entered service in 1977.The weapon control system is the ISUS 90-1 TCS supplied by STN Atlas Elektronik, which provides automatic sensor management, fire and weapon control, navigation and operation.The submarine has the capacity to carry up to 16 surface-to-surface missiles or torpedoes. The surface-to-surface missile is the submarine-launched Harpoon.The submarine has ten bow torpedo tubes.Four of the tubes have a 650mm diameter which could provide the capability of launching swimmer delivery vehicles (SDVs). With liners the tubes could be used for torpedoes. Six tubes are 533mm diameter for launching DM2A3 torpedoes supplied by STN Atlas Elektronik. |
- Gal Class Submarine
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The Gal* submarine was a CO-production of Germany, Great Britain and Israel.Based on a German 206A type submarine, Israeli marine officers and engineers added their input and experience. Due to political reasons the three submarines were built at Vickers shipyards at Barrow in Furness in the UK. The new Tanin and Rahav, and a completely new name for a submarine, INS Gal.The Gal subs were built according to the needs of Israel's marine battlefield. They had a crew of 23.Although small in size, the Gal subs were equipped with the most modern equipment and weapons for the time. |
Fleet Air Arm :
- HH-65A Dolphin
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A maritime reconnaissance helicopter that served in the IAF for a decade, and was recently replaced by the more advanced 'Atalef' SA-565. The 'Dolphin' helicopters were deployed from the Israeli Navy's 'Sa'ar' ships, and carried out routine security missions as well.The Dolphins were purchased from the Israeli Navy's budget, but responsibility for them was shared.The helicopters were the IAF's responsibility as long as they were airborne, and the Navy's when aboard a ship. |
- AS-565 Panther
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A sea helicopter that entered service in 1996. The Atalef operates off of Israeli Navy Sa'ar-5 missile boats and carries out a range of operations, including rescue, reconnaissance and targeting. It replaced the IAF's previous sea helicopter, the Dolphin. The crew complement is made up of a pilot, a copilot and a sea scout from the Navy. On some missions, these are joined by a flight mechanic. |
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