page_title: Israeli Air Force
section_title: Operational organization
hierarchical_section_title: Israeli Air Force / Organization / Operational organization
caption_attribution_description: English: Boeing 707 refueling F-15s, June 28, 2011, Israeli Air Force Flight Academy ranks ceremony.
context_page_description: The Israeli Air Force operates as the aerial warfare branch of the Israel Defense Forces. It was founded on May 28, 1948, shortly after the Israeli Declaration of Independence. As of August 2017 Aluf Amikam Norkin serves as the Air Force Commander.
  The Israeli Air Force was established using commandeered or donated civilian aircraft and obsolete and surplus World War II combat aircraft. Eventually, more aircraft were procured, including Boeing B-17s, Bristol Beaufighters, de Havilland Mosquitoes and P-51D Mustangs. The Israeli Air Force played an important part in Operation Kadesh, Israel's part in the 1956 Suez Crisis, dropping paratroopers at the Mitla Pass. On June 5, 1967, the first day of the Six-Day War, the Israeli Air Force performed Operation Focus, debilitating the opposing Arab air forces and attaining air supremacy for the remainder of the war. Shortly after the end of the Six-Day War, Egypt initiated the War of Attrition, and the Israeli Air Force performed repeated bombings of strategic targets deep within enemy territory.
context_section_description: Ramat David Airbase (Wing 1)
  109 "Valley" Squadron
  117 "First Jet" Squadron
  193 "Defenders of the West" Squadron
  Sdot Micha Airbase (Wing 2)
  150 Squadron
  199 Squadron
  248 Squadron
  Hatzor Airbase (Wing 4)
  100 "Flying Camel" Squadron
  101 "First Fighter" Squadron
  105 "Scorpion" Squadron
  Hatzerim Airbase (Air Force Base 6)
  69 "Hammers" Squadron
  102 "Flying Tiger" Squadron
  IAF Aerobatic Team
  107 "Knights of the Orange Tail" Squadron
  Air Force Infantry School
  Tel Nof Airbase (Air Force Base 8)
  106 "Spearhead" Squadron
  114 "Night Leaders" Squadron
  118 "Night Riders" Squadron
  133 "Knight of the Twin Tail" Squadron
  210 "White Eagle" Squadron
  601 Squadron (Flight Test Center)
  Unit 555 "Sky Crows" (electronic warfare unit)
  Ovda Airbase (Air Force Base 10)
  115 "Flying Dragon" Squadron
  Aviation Professions School
  Air Force Officers School
  Haifa Airbase (Air Force Base 21)
  Technical Professions School
  IAF Technological College
  Ramon Airbase (Wing 25)
  113 "Hornet" Squadron
  119 "Bat" Squadron
  190 "Magic Touch" Squadron
  201 "The One" Squadron
  253 "Negev" Squadron
  Nevatim Airbase (Air Force Base 28)
  103 "Elephants" Squadron
  116 "Lions of the South" Squadron
  120 "Desert Giants" Squadron
  122 "Nahshon" Squadron
  131 "Knights of the Yellow Bird" Squadron
  140 "Golden Eagle" Squadron
  Palmachim Airbase (Air Force Base 30)
  123 "Desert Birds" Squadron
  124 "Rolling Sword" Squadron
  151 Squadron (Missile Testing Squadron)
  161 "Black Snake" Squadron
  166 "Spark" Squadron
  200 "First UAV" Squadron
caption: IAF Boeing 707 refueling F-15s
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