Top Guns

Although there are approximately 150 countries that are larger than Israel, only two countries have a larger air force (the USA and Russia).

With a population of only 7.7 million people (about half million less than the population of New York City), Israel’s ground forces can’t compete with larger countries, but that hasn’t stopped them from developing a superior air force.

Since I've always been a huge fan of fighter planes, I decided to visit the Israeli Air Force Museum and learn more about the IAF.

 

The Israeli Air Force was founded on May 28, 1948 just two weeks after the creation of Israel. Ironically, the first Israeli Air Force planes were Nazi planes sold to Israel by Czechoslovakia (the only country willing to sell a plane to the new state). These planes were only used for about a year but were crucial to the new state achieving aerial superiority in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

Avia 199

The next generation of IAF planes consisted of British Spitfires. When the British governed Palestine they had a number of air force bases in the area. In 1948, when Britain left the area, they removed all working aircraft, but left some parts. Israel was able to rebuild two complete British Spitfires from the parts left behind. Interestingly, in the 60 year history of the Israeli Air Force, Britain has only sold one plane to Israel.

Rebuilt British Spitfire

For the next few decades after the Czech and British planes, most IAF planes were French-built.

Mirage IIIc

In fact, two French-built IAF planes are on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum – both bare 13 victory marks for victories in combat. These planes share the record for a single plane – and since that record is 13, they are called the “Bat Mitzvah twins.”

Unfortunately, one of the “twins” was accidentally sold to Argentina. When the mistake was realized, Argentina agreed to sell the plane back under the condition that it retain its Argentinean Air Force markings. This plane is now on display at the Air Force Museum, still proudly baring its victory marks, and the Argentinean name.

Beginning in the 1970’s, Israel started buying all combat planes from the United States.

F4 Phantom

A4 Skyhawk

Today, the Israeli Air Force has built a fleet of over 520 aircraft (as a reference, the U.S. has over 5500 warplanes, nearly the total of all other countries combined). Of Israel’s fleet, nearly all manned combat planes are U.S. F15’s and F16’s (with Israeli-built insides).

F15 Eagle

F15 Rear View

Although visiting the Israeli Air Force Museum was a thrill for me, the bigger thrill is seeing planes in the sky on a regular basis! I spent some time in the Negev Desert where many Israeli Air Force Bases are located. Nearly every day, I’m treated to planes flying overhead.

Unfortunately fighter planes aren’t just for air shows and tourist thrills.

The Israeli Air Force has a history of preemptive strikes against nuclear targets in the Middle East (in Iraq and Syria). Lately, there has been a great deal of debate about the possibility of Israel attacking nuclear targets in Iran. I don’t know what will happen but, since I ride the bus with dozens of Israeli soldiers every week, all I can do is hope for the best.

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