How Dangerous Is the Crisis Within the IAF?

The ongoing turmoil in Israel has led to a crisis in the IAF that has affected the military readiness of the IDF at large. The degree to which the IDF is affected by the problems of the IAF depends on the nature and location of prospective confrontations. Whereas in the West Bank, the IDF does not rely on the IAF, the air force is obviously critical to the success of such missions as bombings in Syria – or in Iran, should Israel decide to strike the regime’s nuclear sites. And if war were to break out with Hezbollah while the IAF remains in crisis, the IDF would have to depend much more than it would otherwise on ground forces such as artillery, infantry, and armor.

Enhancing the IAF’s Qualitative Edge: The Air-Launched Cruise Missile Option

Guy Plopsky
April 16, 2018
Paper No. 799

The acquisition of advanced air and air defense systems by existing and potential adversaries presents the Israeli Air Force (IAF) with a new qualitative challenge. To maintain its technological edge, the IAF is investing considerable resources into upgrading its fourth-generation platforms, acquiring new fifth-generation F-35I multi-role fighters, and developing other relevant capabilities. These actions will secure the IAF’s position as the dominant air force in the region. However, the IAF’s fourth-generation fighters – its F-16s and F-15s –will be exposed to significantly greater risk than before. By acquiring and integrating stealthy, long-range air-launched cruise missiles on one or more of its fourth-generation fighter types, the IAF can greatly minimize the risk to their crews while allowing them to tackle a wide range of targets in highly contested environments.

Arrow Intercepts a Syrian Missile: Technological, Operational, and Political Aspects

Israel’s Arrow recently made its combat debut with the interception of a Syrian anti-aircraft missile. Remarkably, the 1991 vintage Arrow missile defense system managed to track, engage, and destroy a type of target never envisaged during its design. This sent a powerful message that Israel's missile shield is reaching maturity. The political repercussions of the interception raised questions about its advisability, but the repercussions of a non-interception might have been even more severe.