The 117 Squadron of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), also known as the First Jet Squadron, is initially a training squadron for F-35I Adir fighter pilots, based at Nevatim Airbase.[1]
| 117 Squadron | |
|---|---|
 First Jet Squadron | |
| Active | 1953-2020; 2021- |
| Disbanded | September 2020 - as active Air Defense squadron; reestablished July 2021 as training squadron |
| Country |  Israel |
| Branch |  Israeli Air Force |
| Role | F-35I training (2021-); Air Defense (1953-2020) |
| Garrison/HQ | Nevatim Airbase (2021-); Ramat David Airbase (1953-2020) |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | F-35I (current); F-16C (previous); Gloster Meteor (first) |
History
editBefore it closed in September 2020 after 67 years of service,[1] the 117th was an F-16C fighter squadron based at Ramat David Airbase.[2] The squadron was openend there on 17 June 1953 and operated Israel's first jet fighter, the Gloster Meteor, flying the T7 (two-seat trainer), F8 (fighter) and FR9 (reconnaissance) variants.[3]
In July 2021, Airforce Technology reported that the Israeli Air Force had re-established the 117 Squadron "First Jet" as a training squadron in the IAF's F-35I Adir division, based at Nevatim Airbase in the Negev. It will become an operational squadron as soon as there are enough jets arrived from the US.[1]
-
Opening ceremony of the 117 Squadron on 17 June 1953 at Ramat David Airbase -
The reopening of the 117 Squadron on 1 July 2021 at Nevatim Airbase with F-35I Adir jets
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References
edit
- ^ a b c "Israeli Air Force re-establishes 117th Squadron as F-35I training squadron". www.airforce-technology.com. 6 July 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
- ^ "117 Squadron - The First Jet". Globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 18 January 2009. Retrieved 13 December 2008.
- ^ "Gloster Meteor". www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
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