117 Squadron (Israel)

The 117 Squadron of the Israeli Air Force, also known as the First Jet Squadron, is a training squadron for F-35I 'Adir' fighter pilots, based at Nevatim Airbase.[1]

117 Squadron
First Jet Squadron
Active1953-2020; 2021-
DisbandedSeptember 2020 - as active Air Defense squadron; reestablished July 2021 as training squadron
Country Israel
Branch Israeli Air Force
RoleF-35I training (2021-); Air Defense (1953-2020)
Garrison/HQNevatim Airbase (2021-); Ramat David Airbase (1953-2020)
Aircraft flown
FighterF-35I (current); F-16C (previous); Gloster Meteor (first)

History

Before 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 operated Israel's first jet fighter, the Gloster Meteor, flying the T7, F8 and FR9 variants.[3]

In July 2021, Airforce Technology reported that the Israeli Air Force had re-established the 117th First Jet Squadron as a training squadron in the IAF’s F-35I ‘Adir’ division, based at Nevatim airbase in the Negev. The squadron focuses on training IAF pilots to operate the F-35I. The course helps pilots get accustomed to the aircraft’s parts and systems, and performs simulator flights, ground drills, and training sorties. It will serve as a training center for the operational squadrons of the Adir Division.[1]

References
  1. "Israeli Air Force re-establishes 117th Squadron as F-35I training squadron". www.airforce-technology.com. 6 July 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  2. "117 Squadron - The First Jet". Globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 18 January 2009. Retrieved 13 December 2008.
  3. "Gloster Meteor". www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org. Retrieved 7 October 2021.


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