102 Squadron (Israel)

Israeli military unit 102nd Squadron IAF Squadron 102 Emblem - Since 2016.png 200px Flying Tiger Squadron December August 1967-present Israel 23px Israel 23px Air Defence Hatzerim Airbase 150px Squadron Patch Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Lavi The 102 Squadron of the Israeli Air Force, also known as the Flying Tiger Squadron, operated TA-4H Skyhawk trainers and A-4N fighters and now operates M-346 Lavi at Hatzerim Airbase in the Negev near Beersheba. History The squadron was formed in August 1967, when Israel received new US-made A-4s to replace the aging Dassault Mystere and Super Mystere. This represented the switch to US-made weapons due to the French embargo after the 1967 crisis. The squadron has fought in all major Israeli wars since 1968, carrying out both interdiction and close ground support missions. It has suffered severe losses, the heaviest in the Yom Kippur War in 1973, when about 20 planes were lost and 7 pilots killed. The squadron continues to fly today, playing various roles, and uses the 2-seat M-346s in advanced IAF pilot training. The squadron is designated to continue service as operational and training units in the future.March 2016 Current role During March 2016 the unit was noted as flying Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Lavi's.AirForces Monthly April 2016 Key Publishing Ltd Stamford, Lincolnshire, England 5 The last A-4Ns were retired in December 2015. References External links Global Security Profile Defense Industry Daily: Israel’s Skyhawk Scandal Leads to End of an Era (Archived 2009-08-17) Category:Israeli Air Force squadrons Category:Flying training squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1967 Category:Hatzerim Airbase