WATCH: IAF aircraft in show at pilots' graduation
Fêting the new pilots' achievements in a display of aerial might, an F-15I plane simulates evading a missile collision; two Apache helicopters fire machine-gun bursts; a variety of other aircraft flies past the crowd, culminating with the IAF's new F-35.
The graduation ceremony of the 173rd Israeli Air Force pilots' course on Thursday was also an opportunity for the Israeli Air Force to show off its capabilities, with many of its aircraft taking part.
During the ceremony, an F-15I plane fired in the air and practiced evading missiles. Two Apache helicopters simulated reaching enemy territory and fired machine-gun bursts at targets. A CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter also transported Airborne Rescue and Evacuation Unit 669 to simulate evacuated wounded from the field.
The aerial display opened with three Black Hawk helicopters flying past the crowd and displaying Israeli flags. Other aircraft on display were Beechcraft T-6 Texan II planes, F-16I planes and Spitfires (which the late President Ezer Weizman flew).
At the ceremony's climax, one of the IAF's new F-35s
circled above the crowd. IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot commented on the new aircraft, saying that "our enemies view the IDF as a formidable foe. Just this month the IDF received an amazing plane which will keep Israel as one of the most advanced fighting forces in the world."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also spoke at the ceremony, talking about the turmoil going on in the Middle East, and the endless waves of refugees fleeing the region for Europe.
The graduating class included Israel's fourth female fighter pilot, as well asan immigrant from the former Soviet Union who had previously served as a combat soldier and an officer.
