117 Squadron (Israel)
Israeli military unit
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 117 Squadron of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), also known as the First Jet Squadron, is initially a training squadron for F-35I Adir fighter pilots, based at Nevatim Airbase.[1]
Israel
Israeli Air Force| 117 Squadron | |
|---|---|
| ×××סת ×ס×××× ×ר×ש×× × | |
First Jet Squadron | |
| Active | 1953-2020; 2021- |
| Disbanded | September 2020 - as active Air Defense squadron; reestablished July 2021 as training squadron |
| Country | Israel |
| Branch | Israeli Air Force |
| Role | F-35I training (2021-); Air Defense (1953-2020) |
| Garrison/HQ | Nevatim Airbase (2021-); Ramat David Airbase (1953-2020) |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | F-35I (current); F-16C and Mirage IIICJ (previous); Meteor F.8 (first) |
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History
Before it closed in September 2020 after 67 years of service,[1] the 117th was an F-16C fighter squadron based at Ramat David Airbase.[2] The squadron was openend there on 17 June 1953 and operated Israel's first jet fighter, the Gloster Meteor, flying the T.7 (two-seat trainer), F.8 (fighter) and FR.9 (reconnaissance) variants.[3]
In July 2021, Airforce Technology reported that the Israeli Air Force had re-established the 117 Squadron "First Jet" as a training squadron in the IAF's F-35I Adir division, based at Nevatim Airbase in the Negev. It will become an operational squadron as soon as there are enough jets arrived from the US.[1]
Opening ceremony of the then new 117 SquaÂdron on 17 June 1953 at Ramat David Airbase
A Dassault Mirage IIICJ Shahak of 117 Squadron "First Jet" is landing at Ramat David Airbase in 1970
An F-16C Barak from the 117 SquaÂdron "First Jet" at Blue Flag in 2017, disbanded at Ramat David in 2020
The reopening of the 117 Squadron on 1 July 2021 at Nevatim Airbase with F-35I Adir jets
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