The IAF in the 21st Century
The IAF on the eve of the 21st century was a polished and professional air force.
It is a far cry from the hastily collected assortment of surplus aircraft
and volunteer pilots which flew in 1948.
Today's IAF is a highly sophisticated force making use of the cutting
edge of high technology and operating the most advanced equipment. The
IAF of the year 2000 was a battle-tested air force with vast experience
accumulated in numerous operations carried out in war and peace. Air
combat, attacks on strategic targets, search and rescue missions carried
out under fire and its humanitarian missions have earned for the IAF
the respect of air forces throughout the world. The IAF today is the
cornerstone of Israel's
defense doctrine. It is a strong deterrent against enemy aggressive
intentions and a solid defense in time of war.
Beyond Israel's peaceful borders with Egypt and Jordan , the IAF must
deal with enormous challenges which threaten the State of Israel from all directions. During the Gulf
War Israel was attacked by Iraqi Scud missiles. Iran is acquiring long-range missiles and may soon be able to arm them with
nuclear warheads. Syria has taken a recalcitrant poisition and has dictated conditions for her
negotiating with Israel. Negotiations
with the Palestinians continue to be delicate. Israel's northern
border continues to be a theatre of daily combat between the IDF and Hizbullah and other Islamic extremist organizations.
Israel is fighting a war in southern Lebanon and is often called upon to pay a very dear price. The Israel
Air Force is an integral part of this struggle. It demonstrates
many varied capabilities in attacking and bombing terrorist targets,
accompanying IDF elite units, using combat helicopters extensively, making use of UAVs , and evacuating
casualties under fire. Despite the IAF's demanding security missions,
the IAF does not neglect building up future force strength, and keeping
up with the latest technology.
The Israel Air Force enters the 21st century, flying on the wings of the F-15I, advanced F-16's.
The IAF deploys one of the world's most highly experienced helicopter
forces, operating such helicopters as the Apache,
Cobra, Blackhawk, and CH-53. Against the surface to surface missile
threat the IAF deploys Patriot missiles and will soon deploy the "Arrow"
. The IAF's air supply system is upgrading the Hercules as well as light
transport aircraft. The IAF's command and control component employs
the best means available in order to ensure a comprehensive picture
of the air arena.
Throughout the entire theatre of operations, in all
units, the IAF employs the most advanced systems of all times, most
made in Israel, planned and build upon the combat experience and technological
advantage enjoyed by the IAF and the State
of Israel.
Alongside sophisticated, hi-tech weapons systems the
IAF has a modern organizational philosophy whose role is to develop
and streamline the management of human resources. This task is rendered
more difficult in the age of massive immigration to Israel, with the
differences in languages and customs among recruits. The organizational
philosophy of the "air force family" has been a model for
emulation among other services. This is a guarantee that the IAF will
continue to meet the challenges of the future.
There is still no alternative to excellence, no room
for a second-place finish. To better understand how the IAF performs
its mission, one should first become acquainted with the neighborhood
in which it operates.
Sources: IDF |