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Destinations

From Ramat David in the north - to Ovda in the south - these are the major IAF bases

Ramat David Air Base
 

Ramat David or Air Force North as it is known, is home to two squadrons of F-16C/D "Barak" Aircraft.

On a flying day many aircraft may launch and can be viewed from the external perimeter tracks.

Along with the odd Dolphin and detached Apache helicopters, there is also a good selection of preserved aircraft at the gate, and more visible on base.

Ramat David is just east of Haifa, it has an annual open day when some of the based aircraft can be viewed, and photography of the associated flying displays is also available  for group members.

Ben Gurion International Airport
 

Ben Gurion Airport, no longer an IAF base but home to a collection of former fast jets on charge with Israel Aerospace Industries; A-4s, F-16s, Kfirs and Mig-21s are available to photograph on an IAT visit, along with a tour of the ramps for the "civil spotter"

A recent addition to the tour is  a visit to the new 100 metre tall control tower from where views of the airport, and surrounding area, can be photographed, subject to security and operational considerations.

Tel Nof Air Base
 

Home to the mighty F-15 Baz or Eagle, defending Tel Aviv and Jerusalem plus the CH-53 "yassur" unit, the YAA - Israel Air Force maintenance unit and "Manat" - the flight test centre - mean that Tel Nof is a very busy base. 

An afternoon launch of more than a dozen Eagles is quite common, and there are good opportunities for photography from the roads outside.

Hatzor Air Base
 

The historic ex-RAF Qastina from where many 1967 Six-Day War strike missions originated.

Hatzor is now home to the recently arrived King Airs and Bonanzas from the former Sde Dov base, it's two F-16 units relocating in 2021 to Ramat David.

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Normally favourable winds can mean a good view of aircraft landing.

Palmachim Air Base
 

This base is a former top secret installation, now home to most of the UH-60 Yanshuf helicopter fleet, as well as two squadrons of UAVs.

 

Alas the famous Cobra store, where many ex-US Army AH-1's were dumped after parts reclamation is no more, the helos having been removed & scrapped.

Hatzerim Air Base
 

Being the home of the IAF flight training school and two front line strike squadrons, makes it the busiest base in the middle east. From the area of the former spotters park, stunning photos of landing aircraft can be made.

 

Also home to the world famous IAF museum with some 200 exhibits situated right under the normal approach for the training runway. 

Nevatim Air Base
 

The base is located east of Beersheva. 

Home of the mighty F-35 Lightning II (Adir) with many of their aircraft already  operational, and deliveries running at around six aircraft a year towards a complement of two full squadrons.

Nevatim is also home to the IAFs heavy transport units with their

Boeing KC707s, Lockheed C-130 E/H & J Hercules & Gulfstream V and 550s ELINT platforms.

The base also has an impressive preserved aircraft park at the East gate, many of which can be seen from outside.

Ramon Air Base
 

Superbase Ramon boasts five front line combat squadrons with F-16I Sufa and AH-64 Apaches.

 

Miles from anywhere, base visits are a must to watch the jets and helos go about their business.

Ovda Air Base
 

"Ovda" a former "Kfir" fighter-base - is now used to store dozens of retired aircraft, and the based "red" aggressor F16s.

Ovda is the home of Blue Flag, Israel's take on the ever-popular Red Flag type multinationalexercises.

A favourite of ours, and close enough to Eilat for a good night out to ease the strains of seeing so many new and exciting aircraft.

 

Preservations
 

Hundreds of former IAF aircraft are preserved or stored in Israel.

From Kibbutz Ma'ayan Baruch on the Lebanese border up north, to the new Eilat airport sitting near the Red Sea in the South.

The largest concentration is at the Air-Force Museum at Hatzerim, but collections also exist in various places like the Air Force Technical School at Haifa airport and private collections at Habonim and Rishon airstrips, and various schools and parks.

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