Israel to convert second-hand 707 into tanker

The Israeli Air Force is expected to receive a Boeing 707 that will be converted into a tanker. The aircraft was purchased several months ago with Israel Aerospace Industries to perform the conversion. The number of tankers operated by the IDF/AF is classified.

Israel to expand F-15 upgrade to cover older F-15A/Bs

Reversing an earlier plan, Israel has decided to extend an upgrade programme for its F-15 "Baz" fighters to include its oldest A/B-model aircraft. Israel's F-15C/Ds have been upgraded within recent years, but the upgrade to its F-15A/Bs will enable the older aircraft to use advanced weapon such as JDAMs.

Israel shoots down flying object near nuclear plant

The Israeli military has said that an IDF/AF fighter has shot down a "suspicious object" flying close to the controversial nuclear research institute at Dimona, adding that the intruder appeared to have been a balloon. Aircraft are forbidden from flying over the reactor near Dimona.

Israeli F-15Is get Small Diameter Bombs

The Israeli air force has armed its Boeing F-15Is with the GBU-39 and GBU-40 small diameter bomb (SDB). The IDF/AF expects its Eagles will achieve Initial Operating Capability with the weapon in 2011, and is evaluating whether to integrate its F-16s with SDB capabililty.

Israel completes first F-16C/D upgrade

The Israeli air force has completed work to upgrade its first Lockheed Martin F-16C/D to the Barak 2020 configuration. The programme involves equipping the strike aircraft with a new head-up display, digital debriefing system and other undisclosed capability enhancements.

Israeli AF exercises with Italians

With low level flying and interception in mind, The Israeli Air Force has taken part in joint training exercises with the Italian Air Force. Israeli F-15s and F-16s took part in the exercises, with Eurofighter Typhoons included in the host nation's force lineup. The exercise was also marked the first overseas training for the G550 Eitam AEW aircraft.

Israel issues advanced jet trainer request

Israel's defence ministry has sent a request for information to Alenia Aermacchi and Korea Aerospace Industries for a new fleet of advanced jet trainers. The Israeli air force has already evaluated the companies' respective M-346 and T-50 designs as potential replacements for the Douglas A/TA-4 Skyhawks.

Israel offered 20 F-35s in exchange for further settlement freeze

The Obama administration has offered Israel another 20 Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters as part of a "persuasion package" to encourage the Israeli government to agree to another three-month halt in building settlements in the disputed West Bank.

Bodies found after Israeli F-16I crash

Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of both crew members involved in the crash of an Israeli Air Force F-16I Sufa. The aircraft was leading a flight of four aircraft on a night training mission when it reported dove into the ground in southern Israel.

F-16I crashes in southern Israel; crew missing

An Israeli Air Force two-seater F-16I airplane crashed late Wednesday evening during training in the south of Israel. The pilot and navigator have been described as missing, and the Israeli Defense Force personnel are searching for the crew.

Israeli Blackhawk hits power cable, training halted

An Israeli Blackhawk has made an emergency landing after hitting power cables in the disputed Golan Heights, causing the Air Force to suspend all training pending a review of safety regulations. No one was injured in the incident.

JSF engine fight spills over into Israeli order

The Pratt and Whitney vs. General Electric/Rolls Royce cage fight for the F-35 JSF's engine has spilled over into Israel, with Pratt claiming victory in the race to power Israel's first batch of JSFs while GE/RR says the game's anything but over. The controversy leaves in doubt the first potential engine selection by a non-US F-35customer for production phase aircraft.

Wanted: Israeli Air Force One

Israel is issuing an RFP for an equivalent to Air Force One for its President and Prime Minister. A range of options from a dedicated Israeli AF VIP transport to differnt options in partnership with a private airline are being considered.

IAI to manufacture F-35 wings

Israel Aircraft Industries will get a contract from Lockheed-Martin to manufacture up to 900 wing pairs for the F-35. Meanwhile Defence Minister Ehud Barak has rejected objections to the deal from the country's Finance Minister.

Israel to fit various local mods on F-35I including ECM pods; Spice PGMs

The F-35Is purchased by Israel will sport various Israeli-specific modifications including 600 gallon external tanks, ECM pods, Spice guided bombs, future AAMs and other local additions.

Israeli Finance Minister asks to reconsider F-35 purchase

The Israeli Finance Minister has asked the government to reconsider the IDF/AF's F-35 purchase, citing the high costs and potential future hidden costs.

Israeli government approves F-35 purchase

The Israeli government has given the go-ahead for the Israeli Air Force to buy the F-35 JSF. 20 aircraft will be purchased initially for a sum of US$2.75 billion, with a view to an eventual force size of 75 aircraft