Summary Narrative History
Timeline - Key Dates in Air Force History
Air Force Operation Codenames
Air Force Commanders
Current Status:
The IASF is considered by many observers to be one of the most effective air forces in the world. Personnel training is of a very high standard, and it has a large fleet of very modern aircraft - many of which have been specifically tailored to meet specific Israeli requirements. The support and infrastructure aspects of the organisation are also extremely good. Due to the on-going security threat from terrorism and from hostile countries in the region, the IASF maintains a constant state of alert.
Future Plans:
Take delivery of 102 F-16I fighter-bombers 2003-2009 to replace the A-4, F-4 and F-16A/B.
Begin replacing F-16C/D with F-35 from 2012.
Take delivery of 5 Gulfsteam V/550 to replace Boeing 707 ELINT/AEW aircraft from 2005.
Define replacement/upgrade plan for C-130E/H fleet. Most likely to include replacing the oldest C-130Es with new C-130Js. Could also see procurement of some C-27J Spartans to supplement the C-130s for shorter-range missions.
Replace CH-53 Sea Stallion with long-range rotary-wing aircraft, such as V-22 Osprey.
Decide on replacement strategy for Tsukit jet trainers - may include civilian PFI contract similar to Grob G-120 fleet.
C-130 and Boeing 707 units to move from Lod/Ben Gurion Airport to Nevatim AB.
Markings
National Insignia:
Current --- Historical
Aircraft Serial Numbering System(s):
Aircraft Serialling System Explained
Unit/Base Aircraft Code System(s):
Not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designation System(s):
Local names.
Current Aircraft Inventory:
Table of Current Service Aircraft
All-Time Aircraft Used List:
Alphabetical Order --- Chronological Order
UAVs - to be added.
Aircraft NOT Used:
False reports of aircraft on order or in service
Aircraft Losses and Incidents:
Aircraft Accidents - to be added
Organisation
Main Headquarters:
7 A Street, 67659 Hakirya, Tel Aviv
Current Organisational Structure:
The IASF is organised into a number of semi-autonomous wings of usually three squadrons each, together with co-located SAR and liaison flights. The wing acts as the principal flying organisation at each major air base. However, the squadron remains the basic unit of administration; each having a unique identity and history.
Originating from a covertly assembled unit of light aircraft in 1947, the IASF today has a strength of some forty-five operational squadrons, and eight reserve squadrons located at ten major airbases and over three dozen minor airstrips around the country.
Current Order of Battle:
Table of Current Order of Battle
Historical Orders of Battle:
Table of Orders of Battle
All-Time Flying Units List:
Squadrons
Air Bases
Current Air Bases:
The IASF operates from 9 main bases, of which 5 house front-line units. See listing below for details.
All-Time Air Bases Used List:
Apart from the 9 main air bases, there are also a number of smaller airports and airfields around the country which are sometimes used by the Air Force.
Military Air Bases Listing
More Information
Books:
Israel Aviation Bibliography - to be added
Magazines:
To be added.
Websites:
Israeli Air Force - the official website
(Official IDF/AF website - history, aircraft, photo gallery etc)
The Israeli Air Force
(Unofficial information and photos)
Israel Defence Forces - The Israel Air Force
(Official History and current status)
Israeli Air Force Links
(List of useful links)
Israeli Air Force First Decade 1948-1958
(Original photos and colour profiles by Alex Joffe, forum)
Israeli Air Force Piston Engined Aircraft
(Scanned b+w photos of 1940s/1950s aircraft)
F-16.net
(Detailed coverage of IDF/AF F-16s)
Israeli Air Force Museum
(Photo tour of the aircraft on display)
IDF Modelling - Aircraft Reference
(Photos of IDF/AF aircraft)
Israel - Airfields
(Limited military airfield info)
www.israeli-weapons.com
(photos, history and technical specs)
Wikipedia: Israeli Air Force
(History of the IASF and links for more info)
Jewish Virtual Library
(Collection of articles on various aspects of IASF history)
Wings48.com
(Website dedicated to first 10 years of IDF/AF - history, aircraft, markings etc)
You Tube
(Collection of IASF/IDF videos)
Airliners.net
(28 pages of excellent photos)
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