National Experiences - British Commission for Military History

144 ai r p o w e r in 20 t H Ce n t u ry do C t r i n e s a n d em p l o y m e n t - nat i o n a l ex p e r i e n C e s
The IAF’s Early Operations
During its early days, the air force operated various types of light aircraft such
as Pipers, R.W.D.s, and Taylorcrafts, among others, which were mainly either privately
owned planes or borrowed from flying clubs. It was only in the second stage,
a few weeks after the establishment of the State, that Messerschmitt fighters were
purchased from Czechoslovakia, making it was possible to combat the modern aircraft
of the Arab states which daily attacked the Jewish towns and settlements. Some
months later, Spitfire fighters were also bought from Czechoslovakia. Egypt was
awash with WW2 military surplus - Spitfire and Dakota aircrafts.
The concept of attacking the enemy aircrafts on their own airfields was already
formed during the War of Independence, but could not be acted upon due to the multiple
tasks imposed on the small air force defending Israel’s skies.
The War of Independence ended in January 1949, and during the months that
followed, cease-fire agreements were signed firstly with Egypt and then with other
Arab countries with the exception of Iraq, who refused to sign such an agreement
with Israel. The Israeli government believed that the cease-fire agreements would
eventually lead to peace agreements, whereas the Arab countries signed the agreements
with a view to renewing the hostilities and ultimately bringing about the end
of the State of Israel.
After the War of Independence
the concepts and
perceptions of air power
and its meaning began to
be formed, with priority
being given to defending
the country’s skies. In the
period after the war, Israel
purchased WW2 piston-engine
fighter planes and several
years later, purchased
its first jet aircraft, the Me-
At the end of the war
the IDF with the aid
of the IAF liberated Eilat
on the shores of the
Red Sea - March 1949.