In December, the IDF’s F-16 squadrons, along with other combat aircraft, carried out devastating attacks against the Syrian military’s capabilities to threaten Israel, including flying low over the palace in Damascus, one of the pilots involved has told The Jerusalem Post in a recent interview. In fact, Lt. “Y.” has been involved in critical and historic airstrikes not only against Syria, but also against Lebanon and Gaza, and it can be assumed have been involved in the latest air force strikes against Israeli adversaries.
To complete the picture, the Post also interviewed Lt. “T.,” who piloted an F-16 in key strikes on Yemen and Lebanon, while in addition, the Post has spoken to IDF sources involved in striking Iran.Until 2017, the F-16 squadrons were Israel’s preeminent lead aircraft for all combat missions, though the F-15 fighter also often played an important component. Even since 2017, when the F-35 emerged as Israel’s most cutting-edge fighter jet, the F-16 remains extremely formidable and involved in just about every critical Israeli attack on all fronts.
In Jnuary, the Defense Ministry announced an $80 million purchase of more advanced self-protection systems for its fourth-generation F-16I fighter aircraft, just as top Israeli and IDF officials had increased in recent months their discussion of striking Iran’s nuclear program. (Read more)
