Air Force

Netanyahu: 'New challenges in the Middle East'

At the Air Force graduation ceremony, Netanyahu highlighted new regional challenges and the need to preserve Israel’s air superiority amid reports of F-35 sale to Turkey.

Air Force chief:

“We were on brink of undermining foundations of the IAF"

In his farewell speech, outgoing Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar also addressed the need for a commission of inquiry and the period of refusals to serve that preceded the war.

After a long struggle:

Air Force Major Assaf Dagan recognized as fallen soldier

The Defense Ministry has officially recognized Air Force weapon systems officer Assaf Dagan as a fallen soldier more than a year and a half after he took his own life.

Air Force Commander

15 petition signatories can return to reserve duty

The Commander of the Air Force, Major General Tomer Bar, has decided to return the 15 reserve officers who were suspended after signing a petition calling for an end to the war.

Officer who approved alcohol consumption in Pilot Course removed

The commander of the Combat Navigator Squadron at the Flight School, a lieutenant colonel, will be removed from his position after approving the consumption of alcohol by cadets during a captivity workshop.

15 Air Force cadets jailed for severe rule violations

Cadets in the final stage of pilots’ training hosted visitors and drank alcohol during a classified isolation workshop; the IDF says the breaches undermined security and core values.

PM at Air Force Command Center

'We've taken down 50 terrorist high-rises'

PM Netanyahu says at the Air Force Command Center: 'In the last two days, we have taken down 50 terrorist high-rises, and this is only the beginning of the ground operation in Gaza City. I say to the residents of Gaza: You have been warned; Get out of there!'

Drama in the IAF:

Aircraft sabotaged, three arrested

IDF probes suspected sabotage of UAVs by three IAF servicemembers; officials say incident could have caused crashes but no harm to operational readiness.

Watch:

IDF strikes terror targets in Lebanon

The IDF has begun strikes on terror targets belonging to the "Radwan Force" in the area of Beqaa

IDF Spokesperson:

Air Force strikes nuclear and missile sites in Iran

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin reveals over 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets strike key Iranian targets in Tehran, 'We are intensifying our offensive to remove the existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.'

Israeli Air Force strikes Houthi targets in western Yemen

Israeli Air Force strikes key Houthi-controlled ports in western Yemen following another missile launch fired at Israel.

Senior minister against IDF Spokesman: 'Confused again?'

IDF announces attack in Yemen approved by Chief of Staff and Air Force Commander. Government source clarifies that political echelon is solely responsible for the decision.

Netanyahu:

'Letter is from a noisy group of retirees'

The Prime Minister dismissed the letter sent by a group of former Air Force soldiers, saying their claims no longer impressed the public.

Threat of service refusal returns to Air Force

As the Air Force grapples with the judicial reform’s lingering impact, Air Force Commander Tomer Bar holds meeting with officers to prevent service refusal.

Rabbi in German Air Force:

Rabbi Balla to be German military's first chief rabbi in 90 years

Rabbi Balla joins the German army, 90 years after Hitler expelled Jewish soldiers. 'I want Jewish soldiers in German armed forces to know they have someone to approach,' he says.

First haredi Air Force ground technical crew formed

Haredi soldiers certified as first-level technicians on F-16 fighter jets to serve at Air Force operational center.

Gallant sends message to Iran from Air Force base

Minister of Defense Gallant at Air Force base: 'Everyone who dreamed a year ago of slaughtering and annihilating us, has paid a heavy price and is no longer part of that dream.'

'Prepared for any scenario'

Netanyahu's message from northern Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Ramat David Air Force Base in northern Israel and received a comprehensive briefing on the readiness of the Air Force in all sectors, but especially the north.

Metula Council Head:

'I expect the Air Force to crush Beirut'

Head of the Metula Local Council, David Azoulay, speaks about the situation in the north and the anticipation of an attack by Hezbollah.

Minister of Defense:

'Cooperation between Israel and US is critical to our readiness'

Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant meets with combat pilots and IAF servicemembers: 'With every day that passes, we enhance our readiness for defense, and sharpen our offensive capabilities.'

IAF Commander:

'Strike on Houthis was aimed at entire Middle East'

Israeli Air Force Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar spoke with the heads of the local authorities and said that the IAF is ready for war. 'There will be a knockout punch as lethal as possible.'

'A tremendous addition'

IAF inaugurates new drone squadron

The new 147th 'Battering Ram' Squadron will operate 'Star' unmanned aerial vehicles that carry out various strikes and intelligence-gathering missions in the south, north, and Judea and Samaria at all hours of the day.

'No one is irreplaceable'

Likud's Tali Gottlieb: Those refusing to serve don't impress me

Gottlieb says she isn't impressed by fighter pilots threatening to leave the army and adds that every combat soldier can be a pilot anyway.

'We back any act of protest':

IAF senior officials sign letter supporting not volunteering

Hundreds of former Air Force officials, including a fmr. Chief of Staff, signed a letter supporting anti-government protesters.

4 air force pilots refuse to report for duty

Refusals follow passage of limitation of reasonableness standard in first reading.

Iranian Air Force officer dies under mysterious circumstances

Yet another officer of the Iranian Air Force has been announced dead after three others were reportedly assassinated less than a month ago.

IAF upgrades with eye on Iran

Air Force sums up achievements under outgoing commander Amikam Norkin, goals of upgrading fleet to 4th, 5th generation aircraft.

Arutz Sheva speaks with air force pilots from around the globe

'Unique' Blue Flag event brings together Israeli and world air forces. We spoke to some of the pilots.

Israeli Air Force holds fifth international 'Blue Flag' exercise

International 'Blue Flag' Air Force exercise simulates combat scenarios for aircraft from Israel and multiple participating nations.

Watch: NATO Allies 'migrate' north for the summer

Yissachar Ruas joins the Turkish Air Force 161 Filo flying their F-16 Fighter jets as part of the NATO Air Policing Mission.

First female Deputy Commander of Air Force combat squadron

IDF says 'not even the sky is the limit' after woman appointed Deputy Commander of 'Bat Squadron.'

'Desert Eagle' int'l air force exercise concludes

Israeli, US aircrews practice various operational scenarios, including joint exercises against ground, aerial, and combined threats.

Amos Levitov, renowned Israeli air force pilot, dies at 73

Levitov, renowned as a pilot, survived three years of captivity in Egypt before being released in 1973 and resuming his military career.

Report: Assad regime dropped chlorine bomb on civilians in 2018

Report concludes that units of the Syrian Arab Air Force used chemical weapons in rebel-held Saraqib on 4 February 2018.

Air Force trains for surprise war with Hezbollah

Massive 'Galilee Rose' Air Force training exercise ends after 3 days. IAF practices quick mobilization, attacking thousands of targets a day

Cabinet gives Air Force multibillion dollar blank cheque

Over strong opposition from the Finance Ministry, the Security Ministry will be bringing the Air Force a wave of new armament and aircraft.

DM visits IAF: Israel knows how to use its capabilities anywhere

DM suggests countries of region remember that 'the State of Israel has infinite capacity and we know how to use it.'

Watch: Independence Day flyover

Air Force limits traditional Independence Day flyover to salute hospital staff, prevent gatherings. Here is the full list of flyover times.

Watch: US military helicopters arrive in Israel

5 Yassur helicopters delivered to Israel from Houston port, to be used as spare parts for existing Israeli fleet.

Former Commander of the Air Force passes away

Retired General Amos Lapidot, the 10th Commander of the Air Force passes away, age 85.

F35i light up the skies

Two new F35i fighters are the first to spearhead the new squadron.

Watch: Special air show at IDF Air Force Base

IAF Aerobatics team appears in skies above Hatzerim Air Force base, honoring graduation from flight course.

'The whole Air Force is in the air'

Major Air Force exercise takes place this week, seeing cooperation with ground forces. Main focus: northern arena.

Unusual statement attributed to Israel Air Force Commander

Against background of tension in Gulf, Major General Norkin reveals Israeli naval reconnaissance squadron operating in arena.

Flight course: Learn to overcome failures

Lt. A., graduate of last aviation course, talks about course, values emphasized and moments of crisis and coping with stinging failures.

'I prayed this wouldn't be our last meeting'

Air Force Commander farewell to Rona Ramon: 'She reflected combination of calm, coolness, human warmth, constant improvement, initiative.'

Body of Pilot Yakir Nave located after 56 years

After decades of searching, remains of the body of Air Force pilot Yakir Mordechai Nave Lieper Z"L are found

Is Israel ready for another war?

Is IDF ready to fight a war? Chief of Staff says army at highest preparedness, but recent report by former top general suggests otherwise.

Israel to use F-35I stealth fighters in Syria

New report says Israel will use F-35I aircraft to counter threat posed by Syria's S-300 missile system.

Ramon International Airport does dress rehearsal

Air Force currently conducting exercise at new airport to check fitness to operate for general public.

Senior air force official:

'We attacked infrastructure - not terrorists'

Official summarizes attacks on Gaza. 'We attacked some surprising targets. We did not use all our force.'

Netanyahu: We blew up Iran's ATM

PM Netanyahu says Israel stopped cash flow to Iran, promises anyone who drags Israel into conflict will 'regret it sorely.'

Air Force ready to deal powerful blow

Former IAF Commander Amir Eshel: 'Chances of an initiated war against us in north are low.'

Watch: 40 fighters, 10 squadrons, 2 missions - no landings

Israel Air Force practices long-range operations with joint training exercises over Greece including mid-air refueling.

Israel Air Force strikes Gaza

Israeli planes attacking sites in central Gaza, in apparent response to barrage of mortar fire on Israeli communities this morning.

IDF apologizes for spooking Tel Aviv residents

Air Force says they are sorry for causing pandemonium when they practiced for flyover unannounced on Thursday.

Arutz Sheva meets US Electronic Warfare Aircraft - the Prowler

The 'Prowler' can protect other aircraft from enemy missiles such as Syrian rocket which shot down Israeli F-16.

How does the Israeli security reality look from the cockpit?

Ram Shmueli, a base commander and former Air Force pilot, talks about Israel's security challenges within its borders,

Air Force implements new LGBT-friendly policies

Support groups and frequent meetings with top officers: Israeli Air Force rolls out sweeping changes to make IAF more LGBT-friendly.

Assessment:

IDF attacked terror tunnel in Gaza

Assessments are that spokesperson's unusual announcement of strike on 'central terror infrastructure' implies attack on terror tunnel.