What the Israeli Air Force Has in the Sky

As the Middle East country wages war against Islamic militant group Hamas, FLYING takes a look at its fighter fleet.

Kimberly Johnson

Monday, October 09, 2023 at 04:58 PM ET

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As of January 2023, Israel had received 36 F-35 fighters. [Credit: Israel Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) conducted extensive airstrikes, targeting dozens of structures in the Rimal area of Gaza City, identified as a Hamas hub.
The IAF ranks among the top air services globally with a fleet of 581 aircraft, including 251 attack aircraft, and has orders for 68 additional planes.
Israel is significantly expanding its advanced air capabilities, acquiring more F-35 "Adir" stealth fighters (aiming for 75), KC-46A tankers, and CH-53K heavy-lift helicopters, largely financed by U.S. defense aid.

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The Israeli Air Force (IAF) ramped up airstrikes against what it identified as Islamic militant terrorist strongholds Monday. Dozens of IAF fighter jets targeted structures including multistory buildings in the Rimal area of Gaza City, the service said.

“Rimal serves as a hub for the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip, from which many attacks against Israel were launched,” IAF said in a message on X, formerly known as Twitter.