The IAI Kfir is an Israeli fighter-bomber and multirole combat aircraft developed by Israel Aircraft Industries from the Mirage 5 and IAI Nesher lineage. Powered by a license-built General Electric J79 turbojet, the type entered Israeli service in 1975, went on to serve export operators in Colombia and Sri Lanka, and saw combat in the 1982 Lebanon War, the Cenepa War, the Sri Lankan Civil War, and the Colombian armed conflict.
By the 1982 Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, the IAF was using F-15s and F-16s for air-superiority roles and leaving the Kfir to carry out unescorted strike missions.
The Sri Lanka Air Force used its Kfirs to carry out attacks against LTTE insurgents during the civil war.
The Ecuadorian Air Force held back Kfir C.2s for escort and interception duties in the Cenepa War, and one Kfir C.2 shot down a Peruvian A-37B on 10 February 1995.
The Colombian Air Force used Kfirs in ground-attack missions during counter-insurgency operations against Colombian armed groups.
Timeline
An improved Kfir prototype made its first flight in June 1973 after the program evolved from the Nesher lineage.
The Kfir entered service with the Israeli Air Force in 1975 as Israel's first home-grown fighter-bomber.
During the 1982 Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, the Kfir was used for unescorted strike missions while other fighters handled air superiority.
Export Kfirs saw combat in the Cenepa War and the Sri Lankan Civil War, marking the type's continued relevance after Israeli retirement.
