102nd Squadron (Israel)

102nd Squadron

Flying Tiger Squadron
Active December August 1967-present
Country  Israel
Branch  Israeli Air Force
Role Air Defence
Garrison/HQ Hatzor Airbase
Aircraft flown
Fighter TA-4J

The 102 Squadron of the Israeli Air Force, also known as the Flying Tiger Squadron, operated A-4H Skyhawk fighters and now operates A-4N at Hatzerim Israeli Air Force Base in the Negev near Beersheba. It was formed in August 1967 when Israel received new A-4s to replace the aging Dassault Mystere and Super Mystere. It also represented the switch to US-made weapons due to the French embargo after 1967 crisis. The squadron 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 also uses the 2-seat TA-4Js in advanced IAF pilot training. The squadron is designated to continue service as operational and training units in the future.

References

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