The Kfir, Israel’s iconic fighter jet, debuted during the turbulent years following the Yom Kippur War, excelled in both air-to-air combat and ground attack missions, with a top speed of Mach 2.3 and cutting-edge avionics for its time. The Kfir, meaning "young lion" in Hebrew, was introduced by the Israeli Air Force 50 years ago as a domestically developed fighter jet in response to a hostile French decision to stop delivering jets to Israel. Despite being decommissioned in Israel decades ago, the jet, beloved by pilots for it's multi-role use, remains in limited use today, even in the United States.

Early in Israel's history, the Israeli Air Force utilized aircraft like the Avia S-199, a Czechoslovakian-built version of the German Messerschmitt Me 109, and the British Spitfire. An article by the Austrian Militäraktuell publication recalls, that Israel then began acquiring planes from allied Western nations, including the Mirage III from France, introduced in 1962 and proven effective in combat operations defending Israel. By the mid-1960s, France was working on the Mirage V, a successor to the Mirage III, which Israel expressed strong interest in acquiring. Although French manufacturer Dassault had completed 50 Mirage V aircraft for Israel by 1968, pressure from Arab states led France to withhold delivery. In response, Israel’s secret service obtained the aircraft’s design plans, and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), now known as Israel Aerospace Industries, rapidly produced the jet domestically under the name Nesher (Hebrew for "eagle").

The Nesher performed well in combat, but Israel feared losing its air superiority and amid France’s hostile stance it launched a program to develop a successor to the Nesher, leading to the birth of the Kfir. Taking its maiden flight in 1973, the Kfir entered service in 1975 with Israel's 101st Squadron. Equipped with an upgraded American J79 engine and advanced avionics, the jet was highly capable. In 1979, a Kfir achieved its only documented aerial victory by downing a Syrian MiG-21 using the Israeli Shafrir 2 missile. With the arrival of advanced US fighters, the F-15 and F-16 were playing out their role as air superiority fighters while Kfir's role was limited to ground attack missions, particularly during the 1982 Lebanon invasion.

Although the Israeli army started phasing the jet out from their own fleet in the 1990s, the Kfir found success in the export market. Ecuador acquired 12 units in the 1980s, modernizing them over time. During the Ecuador-Peru war, a Kfir downed a Peruvian Cessna A-37B. Though Ecuador suffered accidents that reduced its fleet, the last Kfir remained operational until 2024. Colombia purchased 13 used Kfirs in 1989 and later upgraded its fleet with modern radars and missiles. Israel ceased technical support for Colombia's Kfirs only in 2025. Sri Lanka also used the Kfir during its civil war, receiving 16 jets between 1995 and 1996. Despite losing several in combat and accidents, five remain operational after modernization.

In the United States, 25 Kfirs were leased to simulate enemy aircraft for the Navy and Marine Corps in the 1980s. According to an article by 19FortyFive, the Kfir’s versatility and reliability earned it a unique role in the US as an aggressor aircraft in the Navy’s Top Gun program during the 1980s. Pitted against American F-14 Tomcats, the Kfir tested US naval aviators with its speed and maneuverability, contributing to realistic combat training. Among other reasons, the Israeli jet was used by the US to simulate the Soviet MiG 23. A US military contractor, ATAC, also acquired Kfirs for training, though losses have occurred over the years.

Despite being phased out, the Kfir left an enduring legacy. Over 220 units were built, with many now displayed in museums or used in air shows. Its history highlights Israel’s capability to develop indigenous, combat-proven aircraft that performed excellently across various missions. The Kfir's transition from a homeland defender to a globally recognized fighter jet underscores its remarkable adaptability and success.

Today, Israel's shift to modern stealth aircraft, like the F-35I Adir, signifies advancements in aerial combat capabilities. However, the Kfir remains a nostalgic emblem of Israeli ingenuity and determination, fondly remembered by the aviators who flew it. With its blend of speed, firepower, and versatility, the "Young Lion" stands as a proud chapter in Israel's aviation history.

By Nazrin Sadigova

Source: caliber.az