Founded in 1948, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) serves as the aerial and defense warfare branch of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Since its inception, the agency has operated a diverse range of combat aircraft. To answer the question “What Fighter Aircraft Does Israel Have?”, we’ve compiled a look at some of the top historical and current fighters operated by the IAF, based on information from the Israeli Air Force itself. These aircraft represent significant milestones in the development and capabilities of the IAF fleet, playing crucial roles in various conflicts and maintaining air superiority in the region.
5 North American P-51 Mustang
Fighter and Fighter-Bomber
- Max takeoff weight: 12,100 lb (5,488 kg) 5,490
- Powerplant: 1 × Packard (Rolls-Royce) V-1650-7 Merlin 12-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, 1,490 hp (1,110 kW) at 3,000 rpm, 1,720 hp (1,280 kW)
- Maximum speed: 440 mph (710 km/h, 383 kn)
- Range: 1,650 mi (2,660 km, 1,434 NM) with external tanks
- Guns: 6 × .50 caliber (12.7mm) AN/M2 Browning machine guns with 1,840 total rounds
- Rockets: 6 or 10 × 5.0 in (127 mm) T64 HVAR rockets
- Bombs: 1 × 100 lb (45 kg) or 250 lb (110 kg) bomb or 500 lb (230 kg) bomb on hardpoint under each wing
The P-51 Mustang was among the most successful fighters of the Second World War. During the summer of 1948, a team from the IAF managed to acquire four P-51 Mustangs in the United States. The aircraft were shipped to Israel in crates disguised as agricultural equipment to bypass embargo requirements on weapons shipments, highlighting the challenges faced in building the early IAF fleet.
North American P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft parked on a grassy field, illustrating a vintage cold war fighter aircraft.
The first two examples were quickly assembled to become part of the first fighter squadron within the IAF. During the War of Independence, these fighters proved to be the most advanced available to the fledgling air force. Beyond their primary role as strike fighters and interceptors, these versatile aircraft were also frequently used for reconnaissance missions, providing vital intelligence during the conflict. Over 15,000 Mustangs were built throughout the Second World War, leaving a lasting legacy in aviation history.
4 McDonnel Douglas F-4 Phantom II (Kurnass)
Interceptor and Fighter-Bomber
- Max takeoff weight: 61,795 lb (28,030 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × General Electric J79-GE-17A after-burning turbojet engines
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.23
- Cruise speed: 510 kn (580 mph, 940 km/h)
- Combat range: 370 NM (420 mi, 680 km)
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, known as “Kurnass” (Sledgehammer) in Israeli service, is one of the most iconic and widely used fighter-bombers ever built. The most prevalent variant was the F-4E, with over 1,300 units produced just for the United States Air Force (USAF). When the IAF sought a new fighter in the late 1960s, the F-4E was the clear choice, offering significant upgrades in performance and capabilities over previous aircraft.
The IAF received its first Phantom in September 1969 and rapidly deployed it for service in the War of Attrition along the Suez Canal. These aircraft quickly established air superiority, providing the IAF with a decisive advantage over its adversaries in various subsequent conflicts. The Kurnass fleet was particularly noted for its long-range radar and the integration of AIM-7 Sparrow radar-guided missiles, capabilities that were cutting-edge for its time. Delving into the history of 60s fighter aircraft reveals the significant technological leaps represented by the F-4 Phantom II. Although they were retired from IAF service in 2004 after decades of operation, they remain a revered and historically significant part of the Israeli Air Force’s journey. The F-4 Phantom was a staple cold war fighter aircraft, used by numerous air forces around the world.
Israeli Air Force (IAF) McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Kurnass parked on tarmac, representing a key 60s fighter aircraft.
Over 5,000 F-4 Phantom II aircraft were delivered globally across all variants, serving in various roles and conflicts.
3 General Dynamics F-16I Fighting Falcon (Sufa)
IAF F-16I Features
- Takeoff weight: 23,600 kg
- Greater capacity for weaponry than conventional F-16s.
- AMRAAM air-to-air missile, with the ability to shoot down within 50 kilometers.
- Northrop Grumman APG-68 radar
- Synthetic Aperture Radar system and Litening navigation pod
- Internally mounted FLIR (forward-looking infrared) viewers
- Side fuel tanks
One of the mainstays of the current IAF fighter fleet and an important answer to “What Fighter Aircraft Does Israel Have?” is the F-16I, affectionately nicknamed “Sufa” (Thunderstorm). This is not a standard F-16 but a heavily modified version specifically adapted to meet the unique operational requirements and specifications defined by the Israeli Air Force. The F-16I was first unveiled at the Lockheed Martin facility in 2003, showcasing the deep collaboration between Israel and the United States in defense technology.
With an initial order totaling 102 F-16Is, the first batch of these advanced aircraft entered service with the IAF in February 2004. The Sufa incorporates numerous Israeli-developed systems and enhancements, distinguishing it from F-16 variants operated by other nations. These modifications significantly boost its capabilities, including enhanced payload capacity for diverse weaponry, advanced electronic warfare systems, and sophisticated targeting pods.
According to an IAF Squadron Commander, as reported by the Jewish Virtual Library, the F-16I is unique: “This is a jet that doesn’t exist elsewhere. We did not buy a jet that has experience in the U.S. Air Force.” He further emphasized the strategic importance of the aircraft, stating, “We don’t think about the price of the jet in terms of dollars, but in the defense of the State of Israel.” This highlights how the F-16I Sufa is a tailor-made asset critical to Israeli security doctrine.
An Israeli Air Force (IAF) F-16I Fighting Falcon Sufa in flight against a blue sky, showing Israel’s modern fighter capability.
The F-16 has been one of the most successful American fighters globally for 50 years, and the F-16I Sufa represents the pinnacle of its adaptation for specific national defense needs. Its cockpit boasts plenty of interesting and advanced features tailored for the IAF’s operational environment.
2 McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
IAF F-15 Features
- Single seat air superiority and fighter with secondary attack role.
- Two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100 afterburning turbofan engines
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.5+
- Maximum range: 5745 km
- Armament: One M61A1 20mm six-barrel cannon, with up to 4 AIM-7 Sparrow and 4 AIM-9 Sidewinder / Python 3/4 air-to-air missiles, or 8 AMRAAMs. Five weapon stations for up to 10705 kg of bombs, rockets, and air-to-surface missiles.
The F-15 Eagle is another American-manufactured fighter jet that has become a legendary component of the Israeli Air Force. It first rolled out in July 1972 and performed its inaugural flight a month later. The IAF sought the F-15 Eagles under the “Peace Fox” program, initiated in 1975, primarily to counter the threat posed by MiG-25 high-speed reconnaissance aircraft operating over Israeli airspace. The acquisition marked a significant leap in the IAF’s air superiority capabilities.
On December 10, 1976, the IAF officially received its first four F-15 Strike Eagle aircraft. These initial jets were quickly integrated and proven in combat, demonstrating the F-15’s exceptional performance characteristics. The first four F-15 Eagles in IAF service were given distinct Hebrew nicknames, reflecting their significance: Sufa (Storm), Sa’ar (Storm and Tempest, notably the same names previously given to the first IAF Gloster Meteors), Barak (Lightning), and Ra’am (Thunder).
Three Israeli Air Force (IAF) McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle fighter jets flying in close formation during a flyover.
The following year, the IAF received the remaining 21 aircraft from the original order, which included 19 F-15As and two F-15Bs. The F-15 Eagle remains a primary air superiority fighter with the IAF today, tasked with addressing a wide variety of missions from air defense to offensive strikes. In total, the IAF has acquired 104 F-15s across various advanced variants, solidifying the type’s role as a cornerstone of Israel’s air power. Known globally for its unmatched dogfighting prowess, the F-15 Eagle is considered the world’s most dominant modern combat fighter by many aviation experts.
1 F-35I Lightning II
IAF F-35I Features
- Year introduced: 2016
- Type: Advanced multirole strike fighter
- Classification: Combat Aircraft
- Active aircraft in Israeli Air Force: 39 (as of 2023)
- Armament: 25mm GAU-12/U, air-to-air missiles (Sidewinder, AMRAAM), guided bombs (Paveway II), general purpose bombs, JDAM bombs, cruise missiles (Stormshadow)
Taking the top spot among the aircraft answering “what fighter aircraft does Israel have” is the Lockheed Martin F-35I Lightning II, known as “Adir” (Mighty One) in IAF service. Israel holds the distinction of being the first country outside the United States to operate the F-35 fighters, underscoring the close defense ties between the two nations and Israel’s commitment to maintaining a technological edge.
The partnership involved significant collaboration. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) reached an agreement with Lockheed Martin to manufacture the outer wings for Israel’s F-35s. Furthermore, the highly advanced helmet-mounted display system used by F-35 pilots was also designed and developed in Israel, showcasing Israeli innovation in aviation technology. In 2012, Lockheed Martin specifically modified the first F-35 designated for the IAF to enable the seamless installation and integration of sophisticated Israeli-developed electronic warfare systems, tailoring the aircraft to meet specific IAF needs.
An Israeli Air Force (IAF) F-35I Lightning II stealth multirole fighter aircraft in flight, the newest fighter aircraft Israel has.
The IAF received its initial nine F-35I jets in 2017 and has continued to receive deliveries in subsequent years as part of a larger order projected to reach 50 aircraft. The F-35I is a state-of-the-art, all-weather stealth aircraft that significantly enhances the IAF’s capabilities in strike, air superiority, and reconnaissance roles. A key strength of the F-35 is its advanced sensor fusion and electronic warfare suite. As highlighted by a Breaking Defense report, referenced by the Jewish Virtual Library, “One of the key capabilities of the F-35 is its capability to absorb electronic signals from radars and air defense systems and to quickly classify them, geolocate them, and display them to the pilot. Then the aircraft can distribute that data to other combatants.”
As of 2023, the Israeli Air Force operates 39 examples of this formidable stealth aircraft, positioning it at the forefront of regional air power. The F-35 Lightning II, a Joint Strike Fighter developed by Lockheed Martin, represents a new era in combat aviation. Over 1,000 examples of this fighter jet have been manufactured globally as of the beginning of this year, demonstrating its widespread adoption by allied nations.
In summary, the Israeli Air Force has historically and currently operated a powerful and technologically advanced fleet of fighter aircraft. From the early days with the P-51 Mustang and the foundational years with the F-4 Phantom II, to the highly capable modern F-16I Sufa and dominant F-15 Eagle, culminating in the cutting-edge stealth capabilities of the F-35I Lightning II, the IAF has consistently sought and integrated top-tier aircraft to ensure Israel’s defense.
What do you think about the top fighter jets in the IAF fleet? Share your views in the comments section below.
References
- Israeli Air Force (IAF) Official Information
- Jewish Virtual Library – General Dynamics F-16I Fighting Falcon (Sufa)
- Jewish Virtual Library – F-35
- Wikimedia Commons (Image Attributions for F-4, F-16I, F-15)
- Shutterstock (Image Attributions for P-51, F-35 – Note: The Shutterstock source for F-35 in the original article is linked to an image other than the one used for the F-35 section. Used IAF source as in markdown.)
- Simple Flying (Original article source for structure and data points)
