IAF to close the 117th "First Jet" Squadron
The squadron, which took part in every war since its establishment in 1953, will close in October 2020.
By ANNA AHRONHEIM, the Jerusalem Post, MAY 14, 2020
F-16C #378 fighter jet of the 117th First Jet Squadron (photo credit: DAVID WEINRICH)
The Israeli Air Force will be closing the country’s oldest squadron of
F-16 fighter jets as part of the military’s plans to streamline and
acquire new systems in its Momentum multi-year plan.
IAF
Commander Maj.-Gen. Amikam Norkin decided to close the 117th First Jet
Squadron, which flies F-16 C/D jets out of northern Israel’s Ramat David
airbase.
IAF 117th First Jet Squadron Badge
“Under the multi-year ‘Momentum’ Plan, Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv
Kochavi made a series of decisions geared toward internal efficiencies
and cutting back old systems, alongside the acquiring and development of
new systems.
As part of these decisions, the chief of staff decided to
close a fighter jet squadron,” the IDF said in a statement.
F16C #317 of IAF 117 Squadron
As part of the military’s Momentum plan, which aims to make the military
more lethal in scope and accuracy, the IDF said in February that it
would be opening a new infantry division as well as closing one tank
battalion and one air force squadron in the coming year.
The
117th Squadron has taken part in every war in Israel’s history since it
was established in 1953, as well as dozens of major operations,
shooting down 121 enemy aircraft.
The
squadron took part in the 1981 strike against Iraq’s nuclear reactor in
Osirak, known as Operation Opera.
The squadron also became the first in
the world to shoot down an enemy plane with an F-16; the following
year, it became the first in the world to shoot down a MiG-23.
F16C #337 of IAF 117 Squadron
Norkin praised the squadron’s “magnificent combat heritage,” saying its history included both known and classified operations.
“I intend to take advantage of this opportunity and better prepare the Air Force
for future challenges.
We will become more streamlined and continue to
develop relevant and influential aerial forces,” he said.
“This is a
commanding and professional challenge – and I am sure the squadron
commander and the wing commander will pass this test.
The
squadron will continue to train and take part in operations until it is
closed in October 2020. Norkin has notified its commanders of the
upcoming closure.
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By ANNA AHRONHEIM, the Jerusalem Post, MAY 14, 2020
F-16C #378 fighter jet of the 117th First Jet Squadron (photo credit: DAVID WEINRICH)
The Israeli Air Force will be closing the country’s oldest squadron of
F-16 fighter jets as part of the military’s plans to streamline and
acquire new systems in its Momentum multi-year plan.
IAF 117th First Jet Squadron Badge
“Under the multi-year ‘Momentum’ Plan, Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv
Kochavi made a series of decisions geared toward internal efficiencies
and cutting back old systems, alongside the acquiring and development of
new systems.
As part of these decisions, the chief of staff decided to
close a fighter jet squadron,” the IDF said in a statement.
F16C #317 of IAF 117 Squadron
As part of the military’s Momentum plan, which aims to make the military
more lethal in scope and accuracy, the IDF said in February that it
would be opening a new infantry division as well as closing one tank
battalion and one air force squadron in the coming year.
The squadron took part in the 1981 strike against Iraq’s nuclear reactor in Osirak, known as Operation Opera.
The squadron also became the first in
the world to shoot down an enemy plane with an F-16; the following
year, it became the first in the world to shoot down a MiG-23.
F16C #337 of IAF 117 Squadron
Norkin praised the squadron’s “magnificent combat heritage,” saying its history included both known and classified operations.
We will become more streamlined and continue to
develop relevant and influential aerial forces,” he said.
“This is a
commanding and professional challenge – and I am sure the squadron
commander and the wing commander will pass this test.
The squadron will continue to train and take part in operations until it is closed in October 2020. Norkin has notified its commanders of the upcoming closure.
Please recommend this page & follow the Sputniks Orbit
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