Israel Air Force

Where was the Air Force on October 7?

The IAF commander commander was not updated at all on the nightly situational assessment – ​​and only realized the magnitude of the incident three hours after the Hamas invasion.

Combat helicopter pilot:

'We're here until the last hostage comes home'

'I had the privilege of bringing home the hostages we have been waiting so long for and I am here until the last hostage returns,' says Squadron 118 helicopter pilot Captain S.

Air Force Commander in Gaza:

Operating wing-to-shoulder with the brave soldiers on the ground

Air Force commander speaks to soldiers in Gaza: 'For over a year, all Israeli Air Force units have been operating wing-to-shoulder with the brave soldiers on the ground.'

The farewell letter Major Assaf left for his mother

Body of Assaf, an Air Force former combat navigator, was found in a field near Atlit, next to his personal gun. His mother said he suffered from PTSD.

'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.

IDF's long arm:

Air Force practices aerial refueling of fighter jets

Air Force practices aerial refueling of fighter jets in Israel's airspace.

IAF commander:

'There is nowhere that is too far for us to strike'

Commanding Officer of the Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, speaks at graduation ceremony for UAV operators: We will act against anyone planning to harm the citizens of the State of Israel.

1st time since 10/7:

Senior IAF officer says readiness was harmed by refusals to serve

Commander of Air Control and Flight School says reservists who refused to report for training to protest judicial reforms before October 7 were unprepared after the massacre.

Watch:

First UAV squadron that identified Hamas terrorists on October 7

New documentation disclosed by Israel Air Force's UAV squadron sent to the Gaza Strip reveals the immense number of terrorists that infiltrated Israel on the day of the massacre.

Patriot system ends its service in the Israel Air Force

The Patriot weapon system, which has intercepted 19 targets, 9 of them in the current war, from 2014 to today, is now being replaced by a more advanced technological system.

Dozens of interceptions in minutes: How Iran's attack was handled

IDF releases details of the management of the defense of the country during Iran's drone and missile attack Saturday night.

Chief of Staff:

“We are very clear - no stone will remain unturned”

Chief of the General Staff: “The start was very difficult. It was very hard to even imagine such a difficult start. But we persevered, albeit at a very high cost, and we regained our composure and gained the strength to launch a very high-quality and powerful offensive, and we will forcefully continue with it until we achieve all our objectives in this war.

Gallant:

'Smoke will cover Gaza until we achieve our goals'

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant takes part in flight over Gaza, sees up close the attacks against Hamas targets.

Squadron 107 officer:

'Huge pride, protecting our home and country'

Major M., technical officer in Squadron 107, talks about the significant preparatory work before the Air Force planes strike Hamas.

Gallant:

'Hamas members have 2 options, unconditional surrender or death'

Defense Minister meets Air Force pilots and crew at Nevatim base, says 'every missile has an address.'

Israel Air Force commander:

'The Air Force will not be the same'

Air Force Commander Tomer Bar: The damage to competence is limited but is deepening.

IDF condemns video showing pilots refusing to help soldiers

Minister Miki Zohar deletes video showing air force pilots demanding to know political opinions of soldier begging for aid during battle.

4 air force pilots refuse to report for duty

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

Watch:

Hamas launches missiles at Israel Air Force planes

Hamas' military arm releases video documenting firing of anti-aircraft missiles at Israel Air Force planes.

Judicial Reform Protest:

200 IAF pilots refuse to show up for reserve duty

Some 200 Israel Air Force reserve pilots inform IAF commander they will not be taking part in reserve duty in protest of judicial reform.

Elite reserve pilots will report to base tomorrow

37 pilots to come to base as scheduled for discussions with commanders after saying they would skip training to protest judicial reforms.

Hesder rabbi:

'Pilots who refuse to show up for training should leave the IDF'

Rabbi Baruch Ganut, former deputy commander of the IAF F-15 squadron's refusal to report for duty in protest against judicial reforms.

37 elite reserve pilots refuse to show up for training

Over 90% of elite 69th "Hammers" Squadron announce they will protest judicial reforms rather than return to base for scheduled training.

Ex-Chief of Israel Air Force

'Social unity, not just by military prowess is key to our power'

Heartwarming glimpse of the IAF pilots who visited the Shalva National Center in Jerusalem to work with children with disabilities.

Israel Air Force expands fighter jet training center

IAF to get new hi-tech flight training simulators for F-15 and F-16 pilots at Hatzor Air Force Base.

As Iran nuclear talks continues, Israel buys 4 refueling tankers

Israel's air force to acquire four refueling aircraft, extending the operational range of warplanes for long-range strategic strikes.

After 17 years:

144th UAV Squadron Reopened at Hatzor Air Force Base

Squadron closed in 2005 renewed, will operate the new 'Spark' UAV.

Israeli and Greek air forces hold joint exercise over Israel

Greek and Israeli air forces simulate air-to-air combat and airborne refueling scenarios during joint exercise.

IAF takes part in “Iniohos” joint exercise in Greece

IAF trains with air forces from US, Greece, France, Italy, Canada, Cyprus and Slovenia.

'Desert Falcon' international air force exercise ends

This week concluded an important milestone where U.S Air Force and the Israel Air Force practiced tackling attack strategies together.

'Significant milestones'

US will sell Israel 12 new helicopters, two tankers

Israel's Defense Min. signs an agreement with US gov't to acquire 12 Lockheed Martin CH-53K helicopters, 2 Boeing KC-46 refueling aircraft.

Watch: Israeli F-15s escort American bomber

Israeli Air Force F-15 fighter jets escort American B-1B bomber over Israeli skies towards the surrounding bay.

Air Force resumes training to attack Iran nuclear sites

After 2 years, IAF resumes exercises in preparation for possible attack on Iranian nuclear program.

IAF, US defense officials meet to plan air defense cooperation

Top Israel Air Force officials met with US air defense officers in bid to bolster cooperation and combat readiness.

US Air Force pilots will train on Israeli F-16s

Israel has sold 29 surplus F-16 aircraft which will be employed as Adversary Aircraft for US Air Force training.

IAF Commander opposes US sale of F-35 to UAE

Air Force commander says a situation in which more advanced aircraft are moving in the region is less ideal for Israel.

IAF planes attack Gaza Hamas targets in response to rocket fire

IDF Spokesman announces during attack on Saturday, weapons production site, underground infrastructure, military position damaged.

Israel's 'First Jet Squadron' retires after 67 years

Air Force closes 117th Squadron which has fought in all of Israel's wars since 1953. Commanders, pilots to be reassigned within the corps.

In symbolic first, Israeli fighter pilots train in Germany

Israeli Air Force F-16s to fly over Munich, Dachau concentration camp during joint military exercises in Germany.

Israeli fighter planes to head to Germany for 1st joint exercise

Israeli Air Force to carry out joint exercises with the Luftwaffe for the first time ever, including visit to Dachau concentration camp.

Watch: The new wing of the Israeli Air Force

IDF establishes new wing in Israel Air Force, bringing together special ops units including the Shaldag Unit and Unit 669.

Holocaust survivor never thought she’d see this

The unbelievable moment Holocaust survivor Lila sees her grandson flying over her home in Israel!

'We made a mistake not evacuating Air Force bases'

Senior IAF official says base which flooded should've been among those evacuated prior to storm.

IDF fighter jets damaged in winter flooding

Israeli Air Force fighter jets damaged after hangars flooded during winter storms. Damage could cost millions to repair.

Israel Air Force gearing up for Blue Flag

Israel to host Blue Flag aerial exercises, with teams from US, Germany, Italy, and Greece. First-ever int'l exercise in Israel with F-35s.

Plane accidentally fired missile at Syria

Pilot accused of recklessness for launching missile at suspicious target without identifying target first.

IAF practicing Independence Day flyovers

Israeli Air Force releases schedule for practice runs for Independence Day flyovers.

Will Haredim soon join the Israeli Air Force?

Is Israel's Air Force the next frontier for haredi integration into the IDF?

Two injured in air force accident

Israeli Air Force transport plane undergoing maintenance work begins moving - with workers still operating on plane.

IAF, British Air Force to hold joint training exercise

Israel's air force invited to joint training exercise with UK.

The New Right's latest recruit: An F-16 fighter pilot

Israeli Air Force Colonel Matan Kahana joins Knesset list of party formed by Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked.

Rabbi Eli Sadan: Now all Ethiopians can feel they can succeed

Leading religious Zionist rabbi says first Ethiopian Israeli pilot proves value of integration for Ethiopian community, Israeli society.

Israeli Air Force's newest pilots to receive their wings

Graduates of Israeli Air Force's 177th flight course to receive their pilot's wings.

Syrian missile fired at Israel found in Golan Heights

Remnants of missile fired from Syria towards Israeli aircraft found in northern Israel.

Syria: IAF attacks Iranian targets

Syrian media report attack on territory with known Iranian presence.

IAF looks to maintain strategic edge with 'Blue and White Flag'

IDF hosts air units from six nations at 'Sky Angels' rescue training operation, while IAF works to maintain air superiority in parallel op.

Disaster averted as Israeli F-16's brakes fail during landing

Israeli F-16I fighter jet nearly crashes into IAF base during landing, after landing brakes malfunction.

IDF helps rescue Jordanian children trapped by flood

Israeli Air Force assisting in rescue of children trapped in Jordanian bus by flood waters after request by Jordanian government.

Israel's stealth F-35 squadron returned to active duty

F-35 fleet of fighters grounded following crash of US Marines craft. Following extensive examination, Israeli planes restored to service.

Israel: Syria, not IDF shot down Russian plane

IDF acknowledges strike in Syria - but says downed Russian plane was accidentally hit by Syrian missiles after Israeli jets had left.