Israel

[alyster]

Has anyone any idea what Israel is useing against Libanon at the moment?

[Viggen]

I´ve seen them showing F16´s on the news, but you know how reliable they are.. 

[RecceJet]

I doubt there are many aircraft they won't be using. If my info isn't too outdated they could still be using their Skyhawks and Phantom 2000's as bomb trucks. I don't think they'd be using the Tzukit the way they did in the '67 war though. Do they already have a replacement for that trainer?

[Webmaster]

As far as I know the remaining A-4s are only used in the training role. Only 55 Phantoms were upgraded to Phantom 2000, the last were withdrawn in 2004, official farewell ceremony took place on May 12th 2004. The Tzukit (Israeli Magisters) are upgraded and will soldier on until 2010, but I agree they won't be deployed.

I would say it's clearly down to the F-16s and maybe F-15I, since they reportedly used GBU-28 bunker busters. Maybe we'll see the first combat deployment of the F-16I. Begin this year the upgrade of the F-15A/B/C/Ds was completed, so that means they could be used to employ GPS guided weapons as well. Closest base to the border is  Ramat David with three F-16C/D Block 30 squadrons, so I guess it's save to assume that they've been busy.

On the first days, I've seen Apaches (dunno if is was a Saraf or Peten) firing rockets or hellfires from medium-low altitude, quite high for an attack helicopter, but probably safer.

[alyster]

Ok, confirmed from estonian captain that they just hit UN base in Lebanon with a bunkerbuster and some artillery fire(155mm) 

So any guess which one was it GBU-24 or 28? Or just BLU-109

[Webmaster]

 ::)  I thought they said it was a rocket fired from a helicopter....

Bunkerbuster as well as arti...hard to believe it was an accident.

[alyster]

They used phosphorus bombs also. Just dont have any info from specialists was it more then allowed.

Oh and btw the army is strongly underfinaced due to the allmighty airforce  (guess this is the "You should have joined the airforce" time)

[Cobra2]

are they still using there Al Kfirs?

[alyster]

I tought they were out of service in Israel?

[Cobra2]

maybe, i dont know...thats why i asked   

[Webmaster]

Yeah, out of service, in storage. Reserve maybe, it is Israel you know, but I think they are hoping to sell some airframes or parts to other Kfir operators that still fly them, suppose that's the main reason for not disposing them (or at least not all of them). Don't think IAI/Elbit is still marketing the Kfir C.10 upgrade to new customers, old IDF/AF airframes could be used for it I guess.

[Valiant1]

Israel needs to acquire new fighters - they won't be able to maintain air supremacy over the Middle East forever flying F-16s and F-15s - and no, I'm not contradicting what I'm saying about 2 of the planes I admire, I'm just saying they need to acquire new fighters - possibly the F-35, Typhoon or Gripen?  Or build one of their own using Western parts, whether American or European? I have a feeling Russia won't sell the Su-27 airframe to them.