Article Summary: The F-16I Sufa, Israel’s customized F-16 variant, is one of the world’s most advanced multirole fighters. Featuring extended range with conformal fuel tanks, cutting-edge avionics, and superior weapons systems, the Sufa ensures Israeli air superiority.
Key Points #1 – Armed with AIM-120 AMRAAM, Python 4/5 missiles, and an Elbit DASH IV helmet, it allows pilots to engage multiple targets effortlessly. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has used the Sufa in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon against Iranian proxies and threats.
Key Points #2 – As Israel continues to face regional adversaries, the F-16I remains a critical asset in defending the nation’s airspace and neutralizing threats.
F-16I Sufa: Israel’s Ultimate Multirole Fighter Dominating the Skies
The Israeli Air Force’s F-16I Sufa is the aircraft Israel turns to when it needs to protect its homeland from attack.
The Sufa (“Storm”) is a modified variant of the F-16D block 50 and 52 air-superiority fighter and ground-attack aircraft.
Its avionics and weapons systems are modified to meet the specific requirements of the Israeli Air Force.
Enhancements Make A Great Aircraft Better
The F-16I Sufa is manufactured by Lockheed Martin and equipped with a Pratt & Whitney F100 or General Electric F110 engine that produces 27,000 pounds of thrust.
Its top speed is 1,500 miles per hour (Mach 2 at altitude). The Sufa has advanced systems developed in Israel to fit the IAF’s specifications.
Deliveries began in 2004. The Sufa features advanced avionics, Israeli-designed conformal fuel tanks for extended range, and enhanced air-to-ground weapons capacity.
A Brief Look At The F-16I Sufa
Outside the United States, the Israeli Air Force has the largest number of F-16s worldwide, with more than 360 of the aircraft. The Sufa is a two-seat variant of the F-16, and it can reach Iran or Libya without refueling.
With its conformal fuel tanks running along the fuselage instead of on the wing pods, the Storm can carry 50% more weaponry and fly at a range 50% longer than a standard F-16. The F-16I carries U.S. and Israeli weapons.
It is the first Israeli aircraft to carry the U.S.-made AIM-120 advanced medium range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM), which has a range of 57-65 nautical miles.
It is also equipped with the Synthetic Aperture Radar system and Litening advanced targeting pod, which give it all-weather, day-and-night attack capabilities.
Its internally mounted forward-looking infrared radar viewers and state-of-the-art systems hardware from Israeli manufacturer Lahav allow multi-target simultaneous engagement and increase the aircraft’s survivability.
The F-16I’s Elbit Dash IV display Helmet (DASH) enables pilots to aim their weapons simply by looking at the target. According to Elbit’s website, “DASH measures the pilot’s line of sight (LOS) relative to the aircraft and transfers its information to other aircraft systems. Thus, aircraft, sensors, avionics, and weapons are enslaved to the target. DASH is adaptable to any fighter or attack aircraft and will accommodate advanced missiles and smart weapon lock-on envelopes.”
The Storm’s electronic-warfare (EW) suite and avionics package are the most significant upgrades. Israeli producers replaced half of the F-16s’ avionics with their own. The Storm’s EW suite incorporates radar warning systems and jamming capabilities, including the Elisra SPS 3000 self-protection jammer.
Besides the AIM-120 AMRAAM, the F-16I can carry the Israeli Rafael Python 4 and Python 5 Imaging Infra-Red missiles. The Python 4 is widely considered the most advanced heat-seeking missile in the world.
Excellent Combat Record In Defending Israel
The Israeli Air Force took the F-16, already a tremendous airframe, and made it even better.
“Going over to fly a Sufa jet, after flying the existing F-16, is like starting to drive an American luxury car after you’re used to an old, dilapidated Subaru,” said Major H. (Israeli pilots do not publicize their full names in the media for their protection.)
The pilot added, “The Sufa is able to fly low and in all weather conditions, almost without manual intervention. It was able to avoid being detected by enemy radar and return home safely from its missions.”
During Operation Guardian Walls in Gaza in 2021, Israeli aircraft, mainly the Sufa, blasted Hamas tunnel complexes, weapons depots, and high-value targets. The operation involved other IAF aircraft, such as the F-35I and the F-15I.
The F-16I Sufa was heavily involved in recent Israeli counterstrikes against Hamas in Gaza and the West Bank, in Syria against Iranian proxies, and against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
After they took out all of Iran’s air defenses in October last year, the Israeli Air Force proved that they will not suffer attacks from Iran’s missiles, their proxies, or their threats any longer.
And if Hamas breaks the truce in Gaza, the F-16I Sufa will be called into action again.
The F-16 Fighter: A Photo Essay
F-16 fighter. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
F-16 Viper. Image Credit: Lockheed Martin.
F-16. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies a mission in the skies near Iraq on March 22, 2003 during Operation Iraqi freedom. The plane is armed with HARM missiles.
NATO F-16. Image Credit: NATO Flickr.
Image: Creative Commons.
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
