Israel is phasing out F-16C fighter jets: the end of an era
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has officially retired its last F-16C Fighting Falcon, closing an important chapter in its aviation history. This phase-out, completed on July 16, 2024, follows the phase-out of previous F-16A/B Netz models in December 2016. Farewell to the F-16C The 115th squadron at the Ovda Air Base said goodbye to the last aircraft of the Barak-1 program, purchased in the 1980s. The Barak-1, named after the Hebrew word for lightning, is a variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon modified to IAF specifications. Known for its maneuverability and speed, the Barak-1 has been the steadfast leader of Israeli aviation for over three and a half decades. Transition to modern technologies The F-16C phase-out coincides with the IAF's expansion of Lockheed Martin's F-35A Adir fleet. Although the F-16A/B/C models are no longer in service, the IAF still operates 47 F-16D Brakeet and 97 F-16I Sufa fighters. Technical characteristics and capabilities The Barak-1 has the general chara