Aircraft & UAVs

IAI Kfir

Also known as
  • F-21A Lion
  • F-21 Kfir
  • Kfir C.2
  • Kfir C.7
  • Kfir C.10
  • Kfir C.12
  • Kfir Block 60
  • Kfir NG

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, became Israel's first home-grown fighter-bomber, and later served export operators in Colombia, Ecuador, Sri Lanka, and U.S. adversary-training fleets.

IAI Kfir, Fighter-bomber and multirole combat aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs
Image source: File:IAI-Kfir-hatzerim-1.jpg | Wikimedia Commons

Role in Conflicts

1983 Sri Lankan Civil War
Fire SupportInterdiction
Side
Sri Lankan government forces

Sri Lanka Air Force No. 10 Squadron used Kfirs against LTTE hard points, artillery positions, depots, troop concentrations, reinforcements, and maritime targets during the civil war.

1995 Cenepa War
Air Defense

Ecuadorian Air Force Kfir C.2s flew interception missions during the Cenepa War; on 10 February 1995, two Kfirs intercepted Peruvian A-37B Dragonfly aircraft and one A-37B was downed.

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
Israel
Type
Fighter-bomber and multirole combat aircraft
Service note
1973-present
Designer
Israel Aircraft Industries
Designed
First flight in June 1973
Produced
1973-1988
Number built
Over 220
Developed from
Dassault Mirage III/5 and IAI Nesher lineage

Specifications

Crew
1 or 2, depending on variant
Powerplant
One General Electric J79 turbojet rated at about 18,000 lb thrust in Colombian service
Maximum speed
Mach 2.2
Range
2,000 km (1,080 nmi; 1,243 mi)
Ceiling
50,000 ft; 75,000 ft with special pressure suit
Maximum weight
36,000 lb
Hardpoints
9 hardpoints with a listed 7,500 kg payload capacity
Armament
2 x DEFA 553 30 mm cannon; Colombian loadout lists Mk 82, GBU-12 Paveway II, SPICE 1000, Rafael Derby, and Rafael Python 5
Sensors and pods
Elta multimode radar, helmet-mounted display, RecceLite reconnaissance pod, LITENING laser-designator pod, and Elisra ECM equipment are listed for Colombian Kfirs
Modernization Standards

The Kfir has stayed in service through national upgrade packages rather than new-build production. Colombia modernized early C.2/TC.2 aircraft through C.7 and later C.10/C.12 standards, while Sri Lanka's current C.12 work covers avionics, mission systems, structural refurbishment, maintenance capability, and renewed precision-weapon employment.

Colombian service

Colombian Air Force history places Kfirs at Palanquero and describes their roles in air superiority, counter-insurgency attack, and airspace-control missions.

Sri Lankan C.12

IAI and SLAF reporting describe a five-aircraft C.12 modernization covering four C.2/C.7 aircraft and one TC.2 trainer.

NG proposal

Janes reported an IAI Kfir NG proposal with an F414 engine, AESA radar, datalink, avionics, and fuel-capacity changes.

Sources: Con los ojos del águila | Fuerza Aérea Colombiana; IAI Completes Kfir Fleet Modernization for Sri Lanka Air Force | IAI; Kfir 'Lion Cub' Returns to the Skies | Sri Lanka Air Force; Paris Air Show 2019: IAI offering Kfir NG to Colombia | Janes.

Variants

Kfir designations mix original Israeli production marks, export upgrades, two-seat trainers, U.S. F-21A adversary aircraft, and later modernization packages.

VariantConfigurationDesignation notes
Kfir C.1Early production standard

The early production Kfir established the J79-powered Israeli delta-wing fighter-bomber before the later canard-equipped marks.

Sources: IAI and the Security of Israel | IAI, A Mideast Lion Comes West | HistoryNet

Kfir C.2Canard and aerodynamic-refinement standard

The C.2 standard is the export and combat variant most often tied to Ecuadorian and Sri Lankan service; Ecuadorian C.2s were the Kfirs documented in the 1995 Cenepa interception.

Sources: The Time Ecuador and Peru Fought a 34-Day War Over a Patch of Amazonian Jungle, Kfir 'Lion Cub' Returns to the Skies | Sri Lanka Air Force

Kfir C.7Upgraded fighter-bomber standard

Colombian Kfir C.2 aircraft were upgraded toward the C.7 standard, while Sri Lanka operated C.7 aircraft later selected for C.12 modernization.

Sources: Con los ojos del águila | Fuerza Aérea Colombiana, Kfir 'Lion Cub' Returns to the Skies | Sri Lanka Air Force

Kfir TC.2Two-seat trainer

Sri Lanka's C.12 modernization package includes one TC.2 trainer alongside four C.2/C.7 aircraft.

Sources: Kfir 'Lion Cub' Returns to the Skies | Sri Lanka Air Force

F-21A LionU.S. Navy and Marine Corps adversary-training designation

The F-21A designation covered leased Kfir aircraft used in U.S. dissimilar-air-combat training during the 1980s.

Sources: A Mideast Lion Comes West | HistoryNet, File:DN-SC-90-11799.JPEG | Wikimedia Commons

Kfir C.10 / C.12Export avionics and life-extension standards

Colombia upgraded Kfirs to C.10/C.12 standards, and Sri Lanka's C.12 work adds modern avionics, mission systems, structural refurbishment, and renewed maintenance capacity.

Sources: Con los ojos del águila | Fuerza Aérea Colombiana, IAI Completes Kfir Fleet Modernization for Sri Lanka Air Force | IAI, Kfir 'Lion Cub' Returns to the Skies | Sri Lanka Air Force

Kfir NGProposed next-generation upgrade

IAI's Kfir NG proposal was reported with a new F414 engine, enhanced AESA radar, datalink improvements, avionics changes, and aft-fuselage redesign for more fuel.

Sources: Paris Air Show 2019: IAI offering Kfir NG to Colombia | Janes

Development Lineage

The Kfir was not a Mirage III/5 variant, but its airframe lineage and export history are inseparable from the Mirage 5 and IAI Nesher path.

Compatible itemItem typeCompatibility evidence
Dassault Mirage III/5, Single-engine delta-wing multirole fighter family, Aircraft & UAVsDassault Mirage III/5Delta-wing fighter family

IAI and Colombian Air Force history describe the Kfir as an Israeli development from the Mirage 5/Nesher lineage, with the Colombian account calling it derived from the Mirage M5 and improved by Israeli industry.

Sources: Con los ojos del águila | Fuerza Aérea Colombiana, A Mideast Lion Comes West | HistoryNet

Carried Munitions and Pods

The Colombian Aerospace Force technical page lists Kfir air-to-air missiles, guided bombs, unguided bombs, reconnaissance, targeting, and electronic-countermeasure equipment.

Carried itemItem typeCarriage evidence
Derby BVR air-to-air missile, Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, MunitionsDerby BVR air-to-air missileBeyond-visual-range air-to-air missile

The Colombian Kfir armament list includes Rafael Derby missiles among its air-to-air weapons.

Sources: KFIR | Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana

Mk 82 500-pound unguided bomb, Air-delivered 500-pound low-drag general-purpose bomb, MunitionsMk 82 500-pound unguided bombUnguided bomb

The Colombian Kfir armament list includes Mk 82 bombs among its air-to-ground stores.

Sources: KFIR | Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana

Mk 82 fitted with a Paveway- or Lizard-series guidance kit, 500-pound guided-bomb configuration, MunitionsMk 82 fitted with a Paveway- or Lizard-series guidance kitLaser-guided Mk 82-class bomb

The Colombian Kfir armament list includes GBU-12 Paveway II bombs, represented in the catalog by the Mk 82/Paveway-Lizard guided-bomb entry.

Sources: KFIR | Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana

SPICE 1000/Mk 83 guided-bomb configuration, Air-delivered precision-guided bomb kit, MunitionsSPICE 1000/Mk 83 guided-bomb configurationGuided bomb configuration

The Colombian Kfir armament list includes SPICE 1000 guided bombs.

Sources: KFIR | Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana

LITENING Advanced Targeting Pod (AN/AAQ-28), Electro-optical targeting pod, Support EquipmentLITENING Advanced Targeting Pod (AN/AAQ-28)Targeting pod

The Colombian Kfir equipment list includes a LITENING laser-designator pod for targeting support.

Sources: KFIR | Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana

Timeline

IAI Kfir Key Events

  1. First flight

    The Kfir prototype flew in 1973 as the J79-powered Israeli development of the Mirage/Nesher line.

    Sources: Con los ojos del águila | Fuerza Aérea Colombiana, A Mideast Lion Comes West | HistoryNet

  2. Israeli service entry

    IAI says the Kfir entered Israeli Air Force service in 1975 as Israel's first home-grown fighter-bomber.

    Sources: IAI and the Security of Israel | IAI

  3. Lebanon War strike role

    Israeli Air Force history describes Kfirs and Phantoms focusing on ground-target strikes during the First Lebanon War.

    Sources: Can't Bring Them Down: 40 Years to the First Lebanon War

  4. Colombian acquisition

    Colombian Air Force historical material says Colombia acquired its first Kfir C.2 and TC.2 aircraft in 1988, then modernized them through later standards.

    Sources: Con los ojos del águila | Fuerza Aérea Colombiana

  5. Cenepa interception

    Two Ecuadorian Kfir C.2s intercepted Peruvian A-37B aircraft during the Cenepa War, with one A-37B reported downed.

    Sources: The Time Ecuador and Peru Fought a 34-Day War Over a Patch of Amazonian Jungle, 25 años del conflicto del Cenepa

  6. Sri Lankan service

    Sri Lanka Air Force material says the Kfir entered SLAF service in 1996 with No. 10 Fighter Squadron.

    Sources: Kfir 'Lion Cub' Returns to the Skies | Sri Lanka Air Force

  7. Sri Lankan C.12 test flight

    Sri Lanka Air Force reported the first test flight of an upgraded Kfir C.12 at Katunayake on 11 June 2026.

    Sources: Kfir 'Lion Cub' Returns to the Skies | Sri Lanka Air Force, IAI Completes Kfir Fleet Modernization for Sri Lanka Air Force | IAI

Media

IAI Kfir Videos

IAI Kfir Images

IAI Kfir, Fighter-bomber and multirole combat aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs - view 1
Source: File:A SLAF IAI Kfir Fighter Jet.jpg | Wikimedia Commons
IAI Kfir, Fighter-bomber and multirole combat aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs - view 2
Source: File:Colombian Air Force Kfir (cropped).jpg | Wikimedia Commons
IAI Kfir, Fighter-bomber and multirole combat aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs - view 3
Source: File:DN-SC-90-11799.JPEG | Wikimedia Commons
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Sources

IAI and the Security of Israel | IAIPublisher: Israel Aerospace Industries | Note: Supports Kfir development, 1975 Israeli service entry, manufacturer context, production count, and continued Colombian and Sri Lankan operator context. | Accessed: 2026-07-04KFIR | Fuerza Aeroespacial ColombianaPublisher: Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana | Note: Supports Colombian Kfir technical data, mission set, propulsion, crew, range, ceiling, payload, hardpoints, armament, sensors, pods, and manufacturer. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Can't Bring Them Down: 40 Years to the First Lebanon WarPublisher: Israeli Air Force | Note: Supports 1982 Lebanon War use by Israeli Air Force Kfirs in ground-target strike missions. | Accessed: 2026-07-04No. 10 Fighter Squadron | Sri Lanka Air ForcePublisher: Sri Lanka Air Force | Note: Supports Sri Lankan Civil War use by No. 10 Squadron Kfirs against LTTE hard points, artillery positions, depots, troop concentrations, reinforcements, and maritime elements. | Accessed: 2026-07-0425 años del conflicto del CenepaPublisher: Ministerio de Defensa Nacional del Ecuador | Note: Supports Ecuadorian Air Force Kfir interceptor participation during the 1995 Cenepa War. | Accessed: 2026-07-04The Time Ecuador and Peru Fought a 34-Day War Over a Patch of Amazonian JunglePublisher: HistoryNet | Note: Supports the 10 February 1995 Cenepa War Kfir C.2 interception of Peruvian A-37B aircraft and the downing of one A-37B. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Sube a 13 el número de disidentes de las Farc muertos tras operación de Fuerzas MilitaresPublisher: Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana | Note: Supports Colombian Armed Conflict use by Colombian Air Force Kfir aircraft in a 2018 Fortul, Arauca bombing operation against FARC dissident targets. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Con los ojos del águila | Fuerza Aérea ColombianaPublisher: Fuerza Aérea Colombiana | Note: Supports Colombian Kfir acquisition, Palanquero basing, C.7/C.10 modernization, airspace-control role, and Kfirs used by the Colombian Air Force in attack missions during the 1964 Colombian Armed Conflict. | Accessed: 2026-07-04IAI Completes Kfir Fleet Modernization for Sri Lanka Air Force | IAIPublisher: Israel Aerospace Industries | Note: Supports Sri Lankan Kfir C.12 modernization, avionics and mission-system upgrades, structural refurbishment, precision-weapon capability, and continued service context. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Kfir 'Lion Cub' Returns to the Skies | Sri Lanka Air ForcePublisher: Sri Lanka Air Force | Note: Supports the 11 June 2026 upgraded Kfir C.12 test flight, Sri Lankan service entry context, No. 10 Fighter Squadron operation, and C.12 modernization scope. | Accessed: 2026-07-04ELM-2032 | IAIPublisher: Israel Aerospace Industries | Note: Supports the ELTA multimode fighter fire-control radar context relevant to Kfir upgrade packages. | Accessed: 2026-07-04ELM-2052 | IAIPublisher: Israel Aerospace Industries | Note: Supports AESA radar context for later Kfir upgrade proposals and modernization packages. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Paris Air Show 2019: IAI offering Kfir NG to Colombia | JanesPublisher: Janes | Note: Supports Kfir NG proposal context, including reported F414 engine, AESA radar, datalink, avionics, and fuel-capacity changes. | Accessed: 2026-07-04A Mideast Lion Comes West | HistoryNetPublisher: HistoryNet / Aviation History | Note: Supports Mirage/Nesher lineage, J79 integration, 1975 Israeli service context, and F-21A adversary-training background. | Accessed: 2026-07-04File:IAI-Kfir-hatzerim-1.jpg | Wikimedia CommonsPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing for the primary Kfir C.2 museum aircraft photo. | Accessed: 2026-07-04File:A SLAF IAI Kfir Fighter Jet.jpg | Wikimedia CommonsPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing for the Sri Lanka Air Force Kfir photo. | Accessed: 2026-07-04File:Colombian Air Force Kfir (cropped).jpg | Wikimedia CommonsPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing for the Colombian Air Force Kfir photo. | Accessed: 2026-07-04File:DN-SC-90-11799.JPEG | Wikimedia CommonsPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports public-domain image provenance for a U.S. Navy F-21A Kfir aggressor-training photo. | Accessed: 2026-07-04