National Experiences - British Commission for Military History

tH e mi l i ta ry do C t r i n e o f t H e is r a e l i air fo r C e 165
missiles caused both human and property damage in Israel, and in addition Israel
feared they could carry chemical or nuclear war-heads. The United States transferred
ground-to-air “Patriot” missiles to protect Israel from the Iraqi Scuds, but they were
unable hit the incomming missiles which caused damage.
The situation in northern Israel declined even before the Second Lebanon War
in 1996 when Hezzbollah acquired thousands of short and medium range rockets. A
similar situation occured before “Operartion Cast Lead” in 2009 when Hamas fired
thousands of rockets into civilian settlements in southern Israel, causing human and
property damage, disrupting the population’s daily lives during an eight year period.
In the past new years, Israel has a new threat since the regime in Iran has developed
nuclear capability and their leaders have threatened to destroy Israel.
A few years before the first Gulf War, Israel began, together with the USA, to
develop anti-ballistic missiles to strike incomming missiles before they enter Israeli
air-space.
Apart from the strength of the air force, Israel has developed with great success,
anti-missile systems - the “Hetz” (Arrow) to shoot down long-range missiles. It is
the only country in the world with a defense system of this type.
Israel has, together with the USA, successfully developed an advanced missile
system to strike incomming ballistic missiles in project “Kipat Barzel” (Iron Dome)
to protect against rockets. Israel continue working with the United States to develop
additional weapons of different types for its defense against both-short and longrange
missiles. In the second half of 2009, there was a joint Israeli-American multisystem
defense exercise which proved the abilities of the IAF and the quality of the
defense system of the United States to defend against a missile attack.
The Israeli government has decided, from the military aspect, that the Israel Air
Force will operate missile systems neccessary to protect the country against incomming
missiles and aircraft. The Israel Air Force has high quality new aircraft, the
most advanced in the world, equiped with powerful strategic weapon systems against
incomming missiles. Most of the new equipment and weapons referred above are operated
by the IAF.
Most of the weapons used in Israel are developed by the Israeli Aircraft industry
(IAI), Israeli Military Industry (IMI) and by “Rafael” Advanced Defense System,
including civilian industries. All these industries of high-tech advanced defense systems
for land, sea, air and space applications.
Rescue of downed pilots
There is a specially trained unit for the rescue of downed pilots, which also operates
to rescue civilians from remote places where swift and easy access is not possible.
Many injured people have had their lives saved by the IAF.