10045 events of the preparation teams for the purchase of the F-16 in the late 1970s. Among the well-known pilots were Zeev Raz, Ilan Ramon, Amos Yadlin. The ground crews were at the General Dynamics factory, which preceded the current manufacturer, Lockheed Martin.

Israel’s first F-16 deal, known as the “Peace Indigo” deal, was signed in 1978 and brought the “Netz” (F-16A/B) aircraft to the Air Force. ·”Netz”        (Hawk)  (F-16A/B) Deal        • Background: After the Iranian revolution in 1979, a huge deal between Iran and the US to purchase F-16 aircraft was canceled. Israel seized the opportunity and purchased the aircraft originally intended for the Iranian Air Force.·        • Scope of the deal: Israel purchased 75 F-16 aircraft (67 single-seat A model and 8 two-seat B model).·        • Arrival in Israel: The first aircraft landed at Ramat David Air Base on July 2, 1980.·

• Historical milestone – a seminal event: Less than a year after their arrival, in June 1981, eight of the “Hawk” aircraft purchased in this deal participated in Operation Opera to destroy the nuclear reactor in Iraq.·        • Establishment of the establishment team: In early 1979, a small team of pilots and technicians (“establishment team”) was sent to the US to Learn the new plane.

• Training

location: The practical training took place at Hill AFB in Utah, where the Israeli pilots trained alongside American pilots, including Ze’ev Raz, Ilan Ramon, and Amos Yadlin.

• Conversion course: The pilots underwent an intensive course that included studying advanced avionics systems (which were a step up from the “Cornes” and “Kfir”) and flight practice in a trainer (simulator) and on the aircraft themselves.

• Technical staff: Dozens of technicians were sent to General Dynamics plants in Texas and to US Air Force training bases to learn how to maintain the aircraft and the F100 engine.

. Israel’s first F-16 deal, known as the “Peace Indigo” deal, was signed in 1978 and brought the “Netz” (F-16A/B) aircraft to the Air Force.

“Netz (F-16A/B) Deal

Background: After the Iranian revolution in 1979, a huge deal between Iran and the US to purchase F-16 aircraft was canceled. Israel seized the opportunity and purchased the aircraft originally intended for the Iranian Air Force.·        • Scope of the deal: Israel purchased 75 F-16 aircraft (67 single-seat A model and 8 two-seat B model).·

Arrival in Israel: The first aircraft landed at Ramat David Air Base on July 2, 1980.·        • Historical milestone – a seminal event: Less than a year after their arrival, in June 1981, eight of the “Hawk” aircraft purchased in this deal participated in Operation Opera to destroy the nuclear reactor in Iraq.·        • Establishment of the establishment team: In early 1979, a small team of pilots and technicians (“establishment team”) was sent to the US to To learn the new plane.