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) significantly increased airstrikes against what it identified as Hamas terrorist strongholds, targeting multistory buildings in Gaza City's Rimal area.
The IAF possesses a fleet of 581 aircraft, ranking ninth globally, and accounts for at least a third of the Israel Defense Forces' manpower.
Israel is expanding its advanced aircraft arsenal, notably with plans to increase its F-35 fighter jet fleet to 75, and is a major recipient of U.S. defense aid which finances these acquisitions.

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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.