RAF

RAF: Chief Of Air Staff Visits Israel

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Wigston, has visited Israel, as a guest of the Commanding Officer of the Israeli Air Force, Major General Amikam Norkin 17032021 CREDIT RAF

The RAF's Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sir Michael Wigston, has visited Israel, as a guest of Major General Amikam Norkin, Commanding Officer of the Israeli Air Force (IAF).

The visit was to strengthen ties between the two nations and promote key collaborative efforts with their air forces.

During the visit, ACM Wigston toured IAF bases including Tel Nof, Palmachim and Nevatim.

He took a joint flight with Maj Gen Norkin in an IAF F-15 aircraft from the 106th Squadron, based at Tel Nof Airbase.

They also visited Squadron 210, part of the Sword Unit of the IAF's Air Defence System, as part of a discussion on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their operational relevance for Israeli Air Force operations.

The air chiefs then discussed the force build-up of the F-35 to the Israeli Air Force and its effects on the Middle East, the RAF said.

Chief of Air Staff Sir Michael Wigston's visit was to promote collaborative efforts and strengthen ties between the nations' air forces (Picture: RAF).

Speaking about the benefits of the visit, ACM Wigston said: "This has been an excellent opportunity to engage with the Israeli Air Force, to celebrate our common heritage, to nurture our enduring relationship, and to explore many areas of mutual interest.

"I am very grateful to Major General Norkin and his excellent team for hosting the visit."

Maj Gen Norkin stressed the value of the visit, saying: "The connection with the British Air Force is very important to the Israeli Air Force.

"During the visit, we discussed cooperation between our forces and discussed the situation in the Middle East.

"We will continue to promote strategic collaborations with the goal of continuing to learn from each other, improving and strengthening ourselves along the way."

Cover image: Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Wigston was the guest of the Commanding Officer of the Israeli Air Force, Major General Amikam Norkin (Picture: RAF).