Fifth-Generation Exercise [F-35i Adir + other IAF]

[spazsinbad]

Fifth-Generation Exercise
06 Jun 2019 Dor Palkovic & Noa Rokni

"The "Baz" (F-15) and "Barak" (F-16C/D) fighter jets recently participated in an exercise with the fifth-generation "Adir" (F-35I), preparing for potential future operations. This was the first ever exercise of this sort

"We're not going to adjust the 'Adir' (F-35I) according to the air force – we're going to adjust the air force according to the 'Adir'". This is what IAF senior members said just before the advanced stealth fighter arrived in Israel in late 2016. Since then, the IAF has integrated several "Adir" jets and personnel while adjusting itself according to the aircraft's capabilities. Now, in the summer of 2019, the "Adir" squadron is already participating in operational activity in the Middle East, while also training alongside the force's fourth-generation aircraft.

The IAF's "Baz" (F-15) and "Barak" (F-16C/D) squadrons recently participated in a mutual exercise alongside the "Adir" squadron. "The goal of the exercise was to study the fifth-generation capabilities together", said Maj. M', Deputy Commander of the 140th Squadron. This was the first time that the participating squadrons flew alongside the "Adir", briefing and debriefing together.

Two Generations
"When we established the squadron, we focused on training the aircrew members and integrating the platform – it was important that we learn how to fly and fight using our new aircraft", elaborated Maj. M'. "Since then, we've become an operational squadron participating in warfare; now, we've come to the stage where we begin to join forces with the other aircraft in the IAF, thus developing new combat doctrines. After this, we'll be able to fight as a unified force"....

…Solving the Riddle
The crews faced an operational scenario planned by the 115th ("Flying Dragon") Squadron, the force's aggressor squadron. "We plan according to each aircraft's advantages, thus solving the operational 'riddle' we were faced with", elaborated Maj. M'. "We take off as a formation, fight against the enemy and successfully perform our mission".

"Another one of the exercise's focal points was SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) threats", described Capt. B', an aircrew member at the 115th Squadron. "We faced the participating forces with things they'd never encountered before in the fields of moving targets and OPFOR (Opposing Forces) simulation"....

…Cooperating in Every Mission
Each platform and squadron has its own unique weapon and specialty. "Our modes of operation are different, so we want to try and emphasize each division's advantages in order to improve our combat abilities", elaborated Maj. M'. "During warfare, the force's squadrons operate together. Until today, the 'Adir' was in a sort of bubble of its own. Now, the force is slowly getting to learn its features"...."

Photo: http://www.iaf.org.il/SIP_STORAGE/FILES/9/74639.jpg

Source: https://www.iaf.org.il/9077-51160-en/IAF.aspx