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{{Short description|Israeli multirole combat aircraft}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name = Kfir
 |image = File:Colombian Air Force Kfir (cropped).jpg
 |caption = A [[Colombian Aerospace Force]] Kfir, from the 111th Combat Squadron
 |type = [[Fighter-bomber]], [[multirole combat aircraft]]
 |national_origin = [[Israel]]
 |manufacturer = [[Israel Aircraft Industries]]
 |first_flight = June 1973
 |introduction = 1976
 |number_built = 220+
 |status = Active
 |primary_user = [[Israeli Air Force]] (historical)
 |more_users = [[United States Navy]] (historical) <br/>  [[Colombian Aerospace Force]] <br/>[[Sri Lanka Air Force]]<!-- Limit is three (3) in 'more users' field, four (4) total users with primary user. Please separate with <br/>.-->
 |developed_from = [[Dassault Mirage 5]]<br/>[[IAI Nesher]]
 |variants = [[IAI Nammer]]
}}

The '''Israel Aircraft Industries Kfir''' ({{langx|he|כְּפִיר}}, "Lion Cub") is an Israeli all-weather [[multirole combat aircraft]] based on the French [[Dassault Mirage 5]], with Israeli [[avionics]] and an Israeli-built version of the [[General Electric J79]] turbojet engine.

==Development==

===Background===

The project that would ultimately give birth to the Kfir can be traced back to Israel's need for adapting the [[Dassault Mirage III]]C to the specific requirements of the [[Israeli Air Force]] (IAF).

The all-weather, delta-winged Mirage IIICJ was the first Mach 2 aircraft acquired by Israel from [[France–Israel relations|then-close ally]] France, and constituted the backbone of the IAF during most of the 1960s, until the arrival of the [[Douglas A-4 Skyhawk]] and, most importantly, the [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II]], by the end of the decade. While the Mirage IIICJ proved to be extremely effective in the air-superiority role, its relatively short range imposed some limitations on its usefulness as a [[ground-attack aircraft]].

Thus, in the mid-1960s, at the request of Israel, [[Dassault Aviation]] began developing the [[Dassault Mirage 5|Mirage 5]], a fair-weather, ground-attack version of the [[Dassault Mirage III|Mirage III]]. Following the suggestions made by the Israelis, advanced avionics located behind the cockpit were removed, allowing the aircraft to increase its fuel-carrying capacity while reducing maintenance costs.

By 1968, Dassault had finished production of the 50 Mirage 5Js paid for by Israel, but an arms embargo imposed upon Israel by the French government in 1967 prevented deliveries from taking place. The Israelis replied by producing an unlicensed copy of the Mirage 5, the [[IAI Nesher|Nesher]], with technical specifications for both the airframe and the engine obtained by Israeli spies.<ref>According to a number of sources, the Israelis had some covert collaboration from Dassault Aviation itself, going so far as to allow for two disassembled Mirage 5s to be smuggled into Israel in crates (''see the [[IAI Nesher]] article for details'').</ref>

===Design===
[[File:Kfir CE a.JPG|thumb|Ecuadorian Air Force Kfir CE (C.10). Note the refuelling probe and the characteristic longer nose of this variant.]]

The Kfir programme originated in the quest to develop a more capable version of the [[IAI Nesher]], which was already in series production. After [[Charles de Gaulle|General De Gaulle]] embargoed the sale of arms to Israel, the IAF feared that it might lose qualitative superiority over its adversaries in the future, which were receiving increasingly advanced Soviet aircraft. The main and most advanced type of aircraft available to the IAF was the Mirage, but a severe problem developed due to the Mirage fleet's depletion due to attrition after the [[Six-Day War]]. Domestic production would circumvent the embargo restrictions completely; efforts to reverse engineer and reproduce components of the Mirage were aided by Israeli espionage efforts to obtain technical assistance and blueprints from third party Mirage operators.<ref>[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-01-19-mn-255-story.html "Alfred Frauenknecht; Convicted of Selling Jet Secrets to Israel".]  ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', 17 January 1991.</ref>

Two powerplants were initially selected for trials, the [[General Electric J79]] [[turbojet]] and the [[Rolls-Royce Spey]] [[turbofan]]. In the end, the J79 was selected, not least because it was the same engine used on the McDonnell Douglas [[F-4 Phantom II]], which the Israelis began to acquire from the United States in 1969, along with a license to produce the J79 themselves. The J79 was clearly superior to the original French [[SNECMA Atar|Atar 09]], providing a dry thrust of 49&nbsp;kN (11,000&nbsp;lbf) and an afterburning thrust of 83.4&nbsp;kN (18,750&nbsp;lbf).

In order to accommodate the new powerplant on the Mirage III's airframe, and to deliver the added cooling required by the J79, the aircraft's rear fuselage was slightly shortened and widened, its air intakes were enlarged, and a large air inlet was installed at the base of the vertical stabilizer, so as to supply the extra cooling needed for the afterburner. The engine itself was encased in a titanium heatshield.

A two-seat Mirage IIIBJ fitted with the GE J79 made its first flight in September 1970, and was soon followed by a re-engined Nesher, which flew in September 1971.

An improved prototype of the aircraft, with the name '''Ra'am B''' ("Ra'am" means "Thunder"; the "Ra'am A" was the [[IAI Nesher|Nesher]]),<ref name=IDAF>[http://idfaf.110mb.com/Nesher/NesherMain.html "Israeli Nesher"]. Retrieved February 20, 2017.  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425135024/http://idfaf.110mb.com/Nesher/NesherMain.html |date=April 25, 2012 }}</ref> made its first flight in June 1973. It had an extensively revised cockpit, a strengthened landing gear, and a considerable amount of Israeli-built avionics. The internal fuel tanks were slightly rearranged, their total capacity being increased to {{convert|713|gal|L|abbr=on}}.

There were unconfirmed reports that a number of the original Mirage IIICs, re-engined with the J79 and given the name ''Barak'' ("Lightning"), took part in the [[Yom Kippur War]] of 1973, but some sources point out that there is no evidence that these aircraft ever existed.<ref>[http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/israel/iafnouse.htm ''Aeroflight. World Air Forces'']. Retrieved March 25, 2006. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060207175626/http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/israel/iafnouse.htm |date=February 7, 2006 }}</ref>

==Operational history==
===Israel===
[[File:IAIKfir010.jpg|thumb|IAI Kfir C.1 at the entrance to [[Ovda Airbase|Ovda Israeli Air Force Base]]]]

The '''Kfir''' entered service with the IAF in 1975, the first units being assigned to the [[101 Squadron (Israel)|101st "First Fighter" Squadron]]. Over the following years, several other squadrons were also equipped with the new aircraft. The role of the Kfir as the IAF's primary air superiority asset was short-lived, as the first [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15 Eagle]] fighters from the United States were delivered to Israel in 1976.

The Kfir's first recorded combat action took place on November 9, 1977, during an Israeli air strike on a training camp at Tel Azia, in [[Lebanon]]. The only air victory claimed by a Kfir during its service with the IAF occurred on June 27, 1979, when a Kfir C.2 shot down a Syrian [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/israel/kfir.htm|title = IAI Kfir}}</ref>

By the time of the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon in 1982 ([[1982 Lebanon War|''Operation Peace for Galilee'']]) the IAF was able to use both its F-15s and [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16s]] for air superiority roles, leaving the Kfirs to carry out unescorted strike missions. Shortly afterwards, all IAF C.2s began to be upgraded to the C.7 version, with enhanced weight performance, making the Kfir more suitable to its new fighter-bomber role. During the second half of the 1990s, the Kfirs were withdrawn from active duty in the IAF, after almost twenty years of continuous service.

Israel Aerospace Industries announced in August 2013 it will offer pre-owned Kfir fighter jets to foreign customers, with a 40-year guarantee. Unit price is reported to be $20 million. A few Eastern European and Latin American countries have expressed interest, Israel's ''Globes'' business daily reported.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://airforceworld.com/fighter/eng/kfir.htm |access-date=August 23, 2013 |title=Kfir fighter jets available to new customers from Israeli Aerospace Industries |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005015112/http://airforceworld.com/fighter/eng/kfir.htm |archive-date=October 5, 2013 }}</ref> By October 2013, Israel Aerospace Industries was in "very advanced negotiations" with at least two air forces interested in the Kfir Block 60.  An aircraft can be delivered within one year, with two squadrons to be sold in two to three years.  The Block 60 is offered with the [[Elta Systems|Elta]] [[EL/M-2032]] with open architecture avionics to allow a customer to install other systems.  The sensor provides an all-aspect, look-down/shoot-down performance in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, with the capability to simultaneously track up to 64 targets. The J79 has been overhauled to zero flight hours, and would need replacement after 1,600 hours.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/two-air-forces-eyeing-block-60-kfirs-says-iai-391168/ Two air forces eyeing Block 60 Kfirs, says IAI] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001144601/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/two-air-forces-eyeing-block-60-kfirs-says-iai-391168/ |date=2013-10-01 }} – Flightglobal.com, 1 October 2013</ref>

===Foreign service===
Since the J79 turbojet engine is an U.S. design, although manufactured [[Licensed production|under license]] in Israel, all export sales of the Kfir are subject to prior approval being granted by the [[United States Department of State|U.S. State Department]], a fact that has limited the sale of the Kfir to foreign nations.

As of 2006, the IAI Kfir has been exported to [[Colombia]], [[Ecuador]], and [[Sri Lanka]].

====Colombia====
[[File:Avión kfir c-13.jpg|thumb|A Colombian Aerospace Force IAI Kfir.]]

As a result of a trade agreement between [[Colombia]] and Israel in 1989 the Colombian government bought a batch of 12 ex-IAF Kfir C.2s and one TC.2, which were delivered to the [[Colombian Air Force]] (''FAC'') in 1989–1990. Since then, all the C.2s have been upgraded to the C.7 variant. The ''FAC'' Kfirs have been widely used in ground-attack missions during counter-insurgency operations against Colombian terrorists. As of 2004 two aircraft had been lost in accidents.

In February 2008, Colombia signed a deal with the Israeli government for an additional 24 ex-IAF Kfir aircraft. It was estimated that these aircraft will most probably be upgraded by [[Israel Aerospace Industries|Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)]] to C.10 standard.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Tags/satellite|website=www.jpost.com|title=Satellite News and latest stories &#124; the Jerusalem Post }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBGQNqTc9| website=[[YouTube]] | title=- YouTube }}</ref>

In June 2009, IAI delivered the first batch of upgraded Kfirs to the Colombian Air Force in a ceremony held at IAI's facilities in Israel. In attendance at the ceremony was Juan Hurtado Cano, the [[Colombia-Israel relations|Colombian Ambassador to Israel]], high-ranking officers from the Colombian Air Force, and executives from the  International Defense Cooperation Directorate of the [[Israeli Ministry of Defense]] ([[IMOD-SIBAT]]). This was a part of a multi-year contract awarded in late 2007 and worth over $150 million to upgrade the existing Colombian Air Force Kfirs, and to supply additional jets. The additional Kfir jets, models C.10-C.12, have been upgraded and improved to include IAI's latest technologies and products.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iai.co.il/32981-39719-en/default.aspx |title=Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. – Home page |publisher=Iai.co.il |access-date=2012-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224051820/http://www.iai.co.il/32981-39719-en/default.aspx |archive-date=2012-02-24 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On July 20, 2009, a Kfir crashed near the city of [[Cartagena, Colombia|Cartagena]]. The Israeli pilots operating the plane were unharmed in the incident, but the jet itself was destroyed. Israel Aerospace Industries said in a statement that the plane was flying a refresher flight, and that the aircraft didn't come to a stop on the landing strip, landing outside it. The director of the Israel Aerospace Industries announced that an investigation into the incident had already begun and that a panel to probe the crash had been appointed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Melman |first=Yossi |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1102019.html |title=Israeli-made Kfir fighter jet crashes in Colombia on training flight, pilots unhurt – Israel News &#124; Haaretz Daily Newspaper |publisher=Haaretz.com |date=2009-07-22 |access-date=2012-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726002347/http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1102019.html |archive-date=2009-07-26 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3749978,00.html |title=Israeli fighter jet crashes in Colombia; Israeli pilots escape unharmed – Israel News, Ynetnews |newspaper=Ynetnews |publisher=Ynetnews.com |date=1995-06-20 |access-date=2012-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030215123/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3749978,00.html |archive-date=2012-10-30 |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 22, 2009, IAI informed the [[Colombian Air Force]] that the accident was caused by an unspecified human error. As a result, IAI will replace the unit lost with another one and it will resume delivery to the Colombian Air Force.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fac.mil.co/index.php?idcategoria=41148 |title=Israel Aerospace Industries LTD – FUERZA AEREA COLOMBIANA |publisher=Fac.mil.co |access-date=2012-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724104832/https://www.fac.mil.co/index.php?idcategoria=41148 |archive-date=2012-07-24 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On November 1, 2013, two Colombian Air Force IAI Kfirs intercepted [[Russian Air Force]] [[Tu-160]]s that had entered Colombian airspace. The Russian aircraft had taken off from [[Simón Bolívar International Airport (Venezuela)|Simón Bolívar International Airport]] Venezuela.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/colombia-russian-bombers-violated-air-space-20797047|title=International News – World News – ABC News|author=ABC News|work=ABC News|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131118140927/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/colombia-russian-bombers-violated-air-space-20797047|archive-date=18 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>http://www.eltiempo.com/politica/aviones-rusos-violaron-espacio-aereo-de-colombia_13161644-4 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106202756/http://www.eltiempo.com/politica/aviones-rusos-violaron-espacio-aereo-de-colombia_13161644-4 |date=2013-11-06 }} Colombia enviará nota de protesta a Rusia por violar espacio aéreo</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-colombia-russia-airspace-idUSBRE9A504020131106 Reuters] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121050852/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/06/us-colombia-russia-airspace-idUSBRE9A504020131106 |date=2015-11-21 }} Colombia says Russian bombers violated its airspace</ref><ref>http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/colombia-protests-violation-of-airspace-by-russian-bombers/489062.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121062959/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/colombia-protests-violation-of-airspace-by-russian-bombers/489062.html |date=2015-11-21 }} Colombia Protests Violation of Airspace by Russian Bombers</ref>

On October 10, 2017, Colombian IAI Kfirs were updated with the EL/M 2052 AESA Radar and incorporated the [[Python (missile)#Derby|I-Derby-ER]] Active Air to Air Missile and the Python-5 Air to Air Infrared Missile<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://interesestrategicoarg.com/2017/10/17/los-iai-kfir-de-colombia-reciben-radar-aesa-y-misiles-i-derby-er/ |title=Los IAI Kfir de Colombia reciben radar AESA y misiles I-Derby-ER – Intereses Estratégicos Argentinos |access-date=2019-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510081106/https://interesestrategicoarg.com/2017/10/17/los-iai-kfir-de-colombia-reciben-radar-aesa-y-misiles-i-derby-er/ |archive-date=2019-05-10 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.defensa.com/colombia/fuerza-aerea-colombia-incorpora-misil-i-derby-er |title=La Fuerza Aérea de Colombia incorpora el misil I-Derby ER-noticia defensa.com - Noticias Defensa defensa.com Colombia |access-date=2019-05-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510081054/https://www.defensa.com/colombia/fuerza-aerea-colombia-incorpora-misil-i-derby-er |archive-date=2019-05-10 |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of 2019, 23 Colombian IAI Kfirs remain in service.<ref name="colKfirs">{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/reports/world-air-forces-2020/135665.article|title = World Air Forces 2020|publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2020 |access-date= 10 December 2019|url-access=registration}}</ref>

====Ecuador====
[[File:Ecuadoran Air Force Kfir.jpg|thumb|Ecuadorian Air Force IAI Kfir C2]]
In 1981, [[Ecuador]] and Israel signed a sales agreement for ten refurbished and new ex-IAF Kfir C.2s and two TC.2s, which were delivered to the [[Ecuadorian Air Force]] (''FAE'') in 1982–1983. The Kfirs formed the 2113rd Squadron (''Lions'') of the FAE's 21st Fighter Wing, based at Taura AFB, on the Ecuadorian western lowlands.

The ''FAE'' Kfirs went into action during the 1995 [[Cenepa War]] between Ecuador and [[Peru]]. Relying on its fleet of subsonic [[Cessna T-37|A-37Bs]] for low-level ground-attack missions on Peruvian positions, the Ecuadorian Air Force held back its [[Dassault Mirage F1|Mirage F.1s]] and Kfir C.2s for use as escorts and interceptors. On February 10, 1995, a Kfir C.2 shot down a [[Peruvian Air Force]] Cessna A-37B with a [[Python (missile)|Shafrir 2]] IR-homing AAM.

In 1996, with tensions still running high between Ecuador and Peru, the Ecuadorians acquired four additional Kfirs (three C.2 and one TC.2) after securing approval from the [[United States Department of State|U.S. State Department]].

In 1998, with its aging squadron of [[SEPECAT Jaguar]] fighter-bombers about to be withdrawn from active duty, Ecuador began talks with Israel for the sale of a new batch of eight Kfirs. Fearing an escalation of the arms race in South America (Peru had recently acquired 18 [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29|MiG-29s]] and 18 [[Sukhoi Su-25|Su-25s]] from [[Belarus]]), the United States blocked the deal.{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}} As an alternative, Ecuador and Israel signed an agreement in 1999 for the delivery of two Kfir C.10s and for the conversion of an undisclosed number of the ''FAE's'' original C.2s to the C.10 version, referred to in Ecuador as '''Kfir CE''', featuring a Helmet Mounted Display System, and armed with Python 3 and Python 4 IR-homing AAMs.

By 2005, Ecuador had lost four Kfirs, including one TC.2, due to accidents since the aircraft entered service in 1982.

====Sri Lanka====
[[File:UG-LK Photowalk - Airforce HQ - 2017-03-12 (4).jpg|thumb|IAI Kfir C.2 at the entrance to [[Sri Lanka Air Force]] Headquarters, [[Colombo]]]]

The [[Sri Lanka Air Force]] (SLAF) acquired six Kfir C.2s and a single TC.2 in 1995–1996. A further nine aircraft had been added to the inventory by 2005, including four C.2s and four C.7s acquired in 2000. Currently the SLAF operates two TC.2s, two C.7s and six C.2s by the [[No. 10 Squadron SLAF|No. 10 "Fighter" Squadron]]. The SLAF used their Kfirs to carry out attacks against [[LTTE]] rebels during the [[Sri Lankan civil war|Sri Lankan Civil War]] in [[Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Lanka air force bombs kill two civilians – Tigers |url=http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2007-02-20T172950Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-288394-2.xml&archived=False |date=February 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222225656/http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2007-02-20T172950Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-288394-2.xml&archived=False |archive-date=February 22, 2007 |url-status=dead |work=Reuters}}</ref> Two Kfir C.7s were destroyed on the ground in an LTTE attack on SLAF Katunayake air base, part of [[Bandaranaike International Airport]], on 24 July 2001. Three others were lost in non-combat related accidents during the Civil War period. None were lost in aerial combat.<ref name=acig>{{cite web|url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_336.shtml|title=Sri Lanka, since 1971|publisher=acig.org|date=2003-10-29|access-date=2008-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003013212/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_336.shtml|archive-date=2008-10-03|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2011, two Kfirs collided in mid-air during an airshow practice sortie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Lankan-fighter-aircraft-collide-midair/Article1-668086.aspx |title=One killed in midair collision |publisher=Hindustantimes.com |date=2011-03-01 |access-date=2012-12-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304002128/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Lankan-fighter-aircraft-collide-midair/Article1-668086.aspx |archive-date=2011-03-04 }}</ref>

On June 30, 2021, it was announced that the IAI will upgrade five Sri Lankan Kfirs for a return to service with new systems and sensors under a US$50 million contract.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/iai-to-return-sri-lankan-kfir-fighters-to-service-provision-for-future-upgrades|title=IAI to return Sri Lankan Kfir fighters to service, provision for future upgrades|website=Janes.com}}</ref>

====United States====
[[File:DN-ST-89-01919.JPEG|thumb|An F-21A Kfir of VF-43 preparing for takeoff at NAS Fallon, Nevada, United States]]

Between 1985 and 1989, the [[United States Navy]] and [[United States Marine Corps]] leased 25 examples of the Kfir C.1, which were officially designated '''F-21A''' and modified for use as unarmed [[aggressor squadron|adversaries]]: mock opponents in [[dissimilar air combat training]] (DACT). These aircraft had narrow-span canard foreplanes and two small rectangular strakes, one on either side of the nose, which considerably improved the aircraft's maneuverability and handling at low speeds.

The 12 F-21 aircraft leased to the U.S. Navy, painted in a three-tone blue-gray "ghost" scheme, were operated by [[VF-43|Fighter Squadron 43 (VF-43)]], based at [[NAS Oceana]], Virginia. In 1988, they were returned and replaced by the [[F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16N]]. The 13 aircraft leased to the U.S. Marine Corps were operated by Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 ([[VMFT-401]]), a [[4th Marine Aircraft Wing]]/ [[Marine Corps Reserve]] squadron at [[Marine Corps Air Station Yuma]], Arizona. In addition to the blue-gray painted aircraft, the USMC also had some F-21s painted in Israeli colors and desert "flogger" schemes (named because they were to represent the schemes often worn by [[Warsaw Pact]] [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23|MiG-23]] "Floggers"). The Kfir was utilized because they both shared the common characteristic of being very fast-accelerating, as well as achieving a top speed of above Mach 2. The MiG-23 was targeted as the "enemy" aircraft because at this time the MiG-23 was being introduced in very large numbers, and was a very capable aircraft compared to earlier Soviet types. These USMC F-21 aircraft were replaced by [[F-5 Freedom Fighter|F-5E]] aircraft when the F-21s were returned in 1989 (although this left the training units without any aircraft capable of accurately simulating the Mach 2+ and fast-accelerating MiG-23).

Six Kfirs are also used by the US firm [[Airborne Tactical Advantage Company]] (ATAC), a civilian defense contractor that provides tactical adversary aircraft services to the US military.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.atacusa.com/atac_company.html |title=ATAC – The Company |publisher=Atacusa.com |access-date=2012-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511021639/http://www.atacusa.com/atac_company.html |archive-date=2012-05-11 |url-status=live }}</ref> ATAC provides airborne tactical training, threat simulation, and research & development. ATAC's corporate headquarters and primary operating location is at [[Patrick Henry International Airport]] in Newport News, VA, with additional permanent operating locations at US [[Naval Air Station]]s and [[Naval Air Station|Marine Corps Air Station]]s in California, Nevada, Hawaii and Japan.  ATAC also operates [[Hawker Hunter]] F.58s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.atacusa.com/ATAC_brochure.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2012-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207031629/http://www.atacusa.com/ATAC_brochure.pdf |archive-date=2012-12-07 |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 6, 2012, an ATAC Kfir, [[FAA]] registration N404AX, crashed while landing at [[NAS Fallon]], Nevada after a flight supporting the [[Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center]]. The pilot, a retired USN officer, was fatally injured.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lahontanvalleynews.com/article/20120306/NEWS/120309948 |access-date=March 8, 2012 |first=Steve |last=Ranson |publisher=Lahontan Valley News |date=March 6, 2012 |title=NAS Fallon: Pilot Killed in Jet Crash |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310011122/http://www.lahontanvalleynews.com/article/20120306/NEWS/120309948 |archive-date=March 10, 2012 }}</ref>

===Potential users===

In the early 1990s, IAI was looking to export 40 Kfir-C fighters to the [[Republic of China]] ([[Taiwan]]) in a deal estimated to have been worth US$400&nbsp;million to $1&nbsp;billion; however, the deal ultimately fell through.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kumaraswamy |first=P.R. |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-133370193.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924131117/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-133370193.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-09-24 |title=Israel-China relations and the Phalcon controversy |journal=[[Middle East Policy]] |publisher=[[Wiley-Blackwell]] |volume=13 |issue=2 |date=June 2005 |issn=1475-4967 |access-date=23 June 2015 }}</ref>

During 2013, the [[Argentine Air Force]] commenced negotiations with Israel for 18 Kfir Block 60 fighters as an alternative to another deal for 16 ex-Spanish [[Mirage F1]] fighters.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/argentina-seeks-kfir-deal-with-israel-394770/ "Argentina seeks Kfir deal with Israel."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140118062321/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/argentina-seeks-kfir-deal-with-israel-394770/ |date=2014-01-18 }} Flightglobal.com, 13 January 2013.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.581520 |title=Argentina buying 30-year-old Israeli fighter jets |date=23 March 2014 |work=Haaretz.com |access-date=6 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224063732/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.581520 |archive-date=24 December 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> During mid-2014, industry sources claim IAI will "soon" receive an order from the Argentine Air Force for Kfir Block 60s after their purchase of surplus Spanish Mirage F1s failed.<ref>[http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9750:argentina-faa-poised-to-order-kfir-b60&catid=35:latin-america&Itemid=58 "Argentina; FAA Poised to order Kfir B.60."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415142457/http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9750:argentina-faa-poised-to-order-kfir-b60&catid=35:latin-america&Itemid=58 |date=2014-04-15 }} Dmilt.com, 14 April 2014.</ref>

==Variants==
* '''Kfir C.1''': Basic production variant without canards.
** '''Kfir C.1P/Kfir Canard''': Upgraded version of the Kfir C.1 meant to modify original airframes up to the C.2 standard. These aircraft had been modified and included fences on the air intakes and nose. These fences greatly improved the aircraft maneuverability and slow speed control. These aircraft also included flare/chaff dispensers.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dor |first=Amos |title=IAI Kfir |pages=20–36}}</ref>{{citation needed|reason=this citation is so vague that it cannot be verified|date=March 2023}}
*** '''F-21A Kfir''': 25 upgraded '''Kfir C.1P''' aircraft, were leased to the [[United States Navy|USN]] and [[United States Marine Corps|USMC]] for an aggressor role and were designated '''F-21A Lion'''. These aircraft were unarmed and had their internal guns removed.
* '''Kfir C.2''': An improved Kfir that featured many aerodynamic improvements. Changes included "dogtoothed" leading edges on the wings, fences on the nose, and large fixed canards on the air intakes.
* '''Kfir TC.2''': A two-seat training variant developed from the '''C.2'''. It has a longer and lowered nose to improve the pilot's view.
* '''Kfir RC.2''': Reconnaissance version of the '''C.2''' commonly known as the '''Kfir Tzniut''' due to the Tzniut camera nose being fitted to it.
* '''Kfir C.7''': Vastly modified variant. Most if not all C.2 aircraft were modified to this variant. It included an improved J79-GE-J1E engine that provided an additional {{Convert|1000|lbf|kN}} of thrust at full afterburner (and as a result increasing the Maximum Take-off Weight by {{Convert|3395|lb|kg}}), 2 more hardpoints  under the air intakes, better avionics such as a MFD.
* '''Kfir TC.7''': A two-seat training variant developed from the '''C.7'''.
* '''Kfir C.9''': Proposal for [[Argentine Air Force|Argentina]] powered by Atar 9K50. Cancelled. Later developed as South Africa's [[Atlas Cheetah]]
* '''Kfir C.10''': A variant developed especially for export. The most important change is the adaptation of the [[Elta Systems|Elta]] [[EL/M-2032]] radar. Other changes include HMD capability and two 127×177mm [[Multi-function display|MFDs]]. This variant is also known as '''Kfir CE ( Ecuadorean version )''' and '''Kfir COA (Colombian version)'''.
* '''Kfir TC.10''': Upgraded version of the '''TC.7''' for the [[Colombian Aerospace Force]].
* '''Kfir C.12''': Upgraded version of the '''C.7''' for the [[Colombian Aerospace Force]], a '''C.10''' without the Elta [[EL/M-2032]] radar.
* '''Kfir Block 60''': Upgraded version of the '''C.10''', The main feature of this variant is the use of [[Active electronically scanned array|AESA]] radar, proposed to the [[Bulgarian Air Force]]<ref>сп. Криле, бр. 8, 2011 година</ref><ref>сп. Аеро, бр. 7, 2011 година</ref> and [[Colombian Aerospace Force]]. {{As of|January 2014}} Argentina is reported to be interested in a US$500m deal for eighteen Block 60 to replace its planned acquisition of second-hand [[Mirage F1]]M from Spain.<ref name=JDW20140104>{{cite news | url=http://www.janes.com/article/32019/argentine-mirage-f1-buy-reportedly-stalls | title=Argentine Mirage F1 buy reportedly stalls | first=Inigo | last=Guevara | newspaper=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly | date=2 January 2014 | access-date=9 January 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109141748/http://www.janes.com/article/32019/argentine-mirage-f1-buy-reportedly-stalls | archive-date=9 January 2014 | url-status=live }}</ref>
* '''Kfir NG''': Upgraded version, short for Next-Generation. Offered to current and former operators Colombia, Ecuador and Sri Lanka, revealed at Paris Air Show 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jennings |first1=Gareth |title=Paris Air Show 2019: IAI offering Kfir NG to Colombia, expects to return Sri Lanka and Ecuador jets to service |url=https://www.janes.com/article/89345/paris-air-show-2019-iai-offering-kfir-ng-to-colombia-expects-to-return-sri-lanka-and-ecuador-jets-to-service |website=Jane's 360 |access-date=18 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618191757/https://www.janes.com/article/89345/paris-air-show-2019-iai-offering-kfir-ng-to-colombia-expects-to-return-sri-lanka-and-ecuador-jets-to-service |archive-date=18 June 2019 |location=Paris |date=18 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Operators==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
[[File:IAI Kfir Users.png|thumb|400px|Map with IAI Kfir users in blue]]

===Current===
;{{COL}}
* [[Colombian Aerospace Force]] : 23 in service as 2019.<ref name="colKfirs"/>
** [[Captain Germán Olano Moreno Air Base|111 Combat Squadron]]
;{{SRI}}
* [[Sri Lanka Air Force]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/sri-lanka-close-to-kfir-purchase/12051.article|title=Sri Lanka close to Kfir purchase|website=FlightGlobal}}</ref>
** [[No. 10 Squadron SLAF|No. 10 Squadron]]
;{{USA}}
* [[Textron]] subsidiary [[Airborne Tactical Advantage Company]] operates 6 IAI F-21 Kfirs<ref>{{cite web|last=Federal Aviation Administration|title=US Civil Aircraft Registry, Query="ATAC"|url=http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/|publisher=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=20 January 2015}}</ref>

===Former===
;{{ECU}}
* [[Ecuadorian Air Force]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/kfirs-bound-for-sri-lanka-as-iai-seals-ecuadorian-sale/11215.article|title = Kfirs bound for Sri Lanka as IAI seals Ecuadorian sale}}</ref>
;{{ISR}}
*  [[Israeli Air Force]]
** [[101 Squadron (Israel)|101 Squadron]]
** [[109 Squadron (Israel)|109 Squadron]]
** [[113 Squadron (Israel)|113 Squadron]]
** 144 Squadron
** [[149 Squadron (Israel)|149 Squadron]]
** [[254 Squadron (Israel)|254 Squadron]]
;{{USA}}
* [[United States Navy]]
* [[United States Marine Corps]] 
:Under the [[1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system|tri-service designation]] F-21A Lion, the type was used as an adversary fighter by the [[United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program|Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program]] (a.k.a. <small>[[TOPGUN]]</small>), run under the auspices of the US Navy. Training of Navy and Marine Corps aviators ceased in 1988 and 1989 respectively.

==Aircraft on display==

===Israel===
*010 - Kfir C.2 displayed as a [[gate guardian]] at [[Ovda Airport]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airteamimages.com/iai-kfir_010_israel---israeli-air-force_189588.html|title=IAI Kfir (010)|website=AirTeamImages|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref>
*310 - Kfir TC.2 on display at the [[Israeli Air Force Museum]] in [[Hatzerim Airbase]].<ref name="Aviationmuseum">{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationmuseum.eu/Blogvorm/israeli-air-force-museum/|title=Israeli Air Force Museum|website=aviationmuseum.uk|date=23 November 2016|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref>
*419 - Kfir RC.2 Tzniut on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim Airbase.<ref name="Aviationmuseum" />
*451 - Kfir RC.2 Tzniut on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim Airbase.<ref name="Aviationmuseum" />
*514 - Kfir C.7 on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim Airbase.<ref name="Aviationmuseum" />
*529 - Kfir C.7 on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim Airbase.<ref name="Aviationmuseum" />
*664 - Kfir C.2 mounted on a pylon in [[Beersheba]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/374634|title=664 - IAI Kfir C2|website=JetPhotos|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref>
*712 - Kfir C.1 on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim Airbase.<ref name="Aviationmuseum" />
*742 - Kfir C.1 on display at [[Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space|Madatech]] in [[Haifa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=126618|title=s/n 742|website=Aerial Visuals|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref>
*814 - Kfir C.2 on display at [[Ramat David Airbase]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worlddemobbed.org.uk/locations.php?location=7580|title=Ramat David, Israel|website=EuroDemobbed|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref>
*826 - Kfir C.2 on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim Airbase.<ref name="Aviationmuseum" />
*853 - Kfir C.2 on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim Airbase.<ref name="Aviationmuseum" />
*869 - Kfir C.2 on display at [[Hatzor Airbase]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurodemobbed.org.uk/locations.php?location=9262|title=Hatzor, Israel|website=EuroDemobbed|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref>
*874 - Kfir C.2 on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim Airbase.<ref name="Aviationmuseum" />
*875 - Kfir C.2 preserved in the Givat Olga neighborhood of [[Hadera]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=151693|title=s/n 875|website=Aerial Visuals|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref>
*886 - Kfir C.2 on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim Airbase.<ref name="Aviationmuseum" />
*895 - Kfir C.2 on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim Airbase.<ref name="Aviationmuseum" />
*988 - Kfir TC.2 on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim Airbase.<ref name="Aviationmuseum" /> 
*BuNo 999725 - F-21A Kfir on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim Airbase.<ref name="Aviationmuseum" />
*BuNo 999764 - F-21A Kfir on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim Airbase.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8862493|title=999764 - IAI F-21A Kfir|website=JetPhotos|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref>

===Sri Lanka===
*CF-712 - Kfir C.2 mounted on a pylon at the [[Sri Lanka Air Force Museum]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=167203|title=s/n SFM5212|website=Aerial Visuals|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref>
*SFM-721 - Kfir C.7 on display at the [[Sri Lanka Air Force Museum]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8430695|title=SFM-721|website=JetPhotos|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref>
*SFM-5207 - Kfir C.2 displayed outside of [[SLAF Colombo]] in [[Colombo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=162088|title=SFM-5207|website=Aerial Visuals|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref>

===United States===
*BuNo 999734 - F-21A Kfir on display at the [[Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8989767|title=999374 - IAI F-21A Kfir|website=JetPhotos|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref>

==Specifications (Kfir C7)==
[[File:IAI Kfir C2 3-view line drawing.jpg|thumb|IAI Kfir 3-view drawing]]
[[File:IAI-Kfir-hatzerim-1.jpg|thumb|An IAI Kfir with its typical weapon loadout as displayed at the [[Israeli Air Force Museum]], [[Hatzerim Airbase]]]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=''From Mirage to Kfir by Amos Dor, pp. 20-36.''{{citation needed|reason=Not enough info to identify book, and 16 page range is way too large|date=March 2023}}
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=1
|length m=15.65
|length note=
|span m=8.22
|span note=
|height m=4.55
|height note=
|wing area sqm=34.8
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=3.5&<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|empty weight kg=7414
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=10,114
|gross weight note=Empty weight+full internal fuel
|max takeoff weight kg=16500
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=IAl Bedek-built [[General Electric J79]]-J1E
|eng1 type=[[turbojet]]
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 kn=52.9
|eng1 note=
|power original=
|thrust original=
|eng1 kn-ab=79.62
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=2440
|max speed note=above {{cvt|11000|m}}
|max speed mach=2.3
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=
|range note=
|combat range km=1000 or 670
|combat range note=Depends on if in attack or interceptor configuration
|ferry range km=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=17680
|ceiling note=
|g limits=7.5g
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=233
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|thrust/weight=

|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->
|guns=2× Rafael-built [[30 mm caliber|30 mm (1.18 in)]] [[DEFA 553 cannon]] with 140 rpg
|rockets=[[Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket|FFAR]] and [[Zuni (rocket)|Zuni]] unguided air-to-ground rockets
|missiles=4× [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]]s ''or'' [[Python (missile)|Python]]-series AAMs
|bombs={{cvt|9390|kg|0}} of payload on nine external [[hardpoint]]s, including bombs such as the [[Mark 80|Mark 80 series]], [[Paveway]] series of LGBs, [[Griffin LGB]]s, [[SMKB]]s,<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Revista Asas |language=pt |volume=61 |issn=1413-1218 |title=Bombas Guiada SMKB |page=29 |date=June 2011}}</ref>  [[CBU-100]] Rockeyes, BLU-107 [[Matra Durandal]], reconnaissance pods or [[drop tank]]s

|avionics=*EL/M-2001B Pulse Doppler radar range finder
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Israel|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Atlas Cheetah]]
* [[Dassault Mirage III]]
* [[Dassault Mirage 5|Dassault Mirage 5/50]]
* [[IAI Nesher]]
|similar aircraft=
*[[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23]]: Contemporary fighter and ground attack aircraft.
* [[Saab 37 Viggen]]: A delta-canard multirole aircraft.
|see also=
|lists=
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
* Niccoli, Riccardo. ''David's Deltas: Israel's Mirage, Nesher and Kfir Family, Part 3''. ''[[Air Enthusiast]]'' 105, May/June 2003, pp.&nbsp;68–73. {{ISSN|0143-5450}}
*[[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W. R.]] ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83''. London:Jane's Yearbooks, 1982. {{ISBN|0-7106-0748-2}}.

=== Further reading ===
* ''Maquinas de Guerra – Enciclopedia de las Armas del Siglo XX''. Planeta-De Agostini, Madrid, 1984. (Aerospace Publishing Ltd., London, 1983). {{ISBN|84-7551-292-5}}.
* Terry Gander, Christopher Chant, Bob Munro, ''Collins/Jane's Combat Aircraft''. Harper Resource, 1995. {{ISBN|0-00-470846-6}}.
* Federation of American Scientists, ''[https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/kfir.htm www.fas.org]''.
* Air Combat Information Group, ''[http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_12.shtml www.acig.org]''.
* Greg Goebel, ''[https://web.archive.org/web/20061215203054/http://www.vectorsite.net/avmir3.html#m6 www.vectorsite.net]''.
* ''Mirage. James Follett''. Novel describing the clandestine operation by an Israeli civilian to steal the engineering drawings of the Mirage from a Swiss sub-contractor in the late 1960s. {{ISBN|0-7493-0003-5}}
* {{cite book |last=Breffort |first=Dominique |author2=Jouineau, Andre |year=2004 |publisher=Histoire et Collections, Paris |title=The Mirage III, 5, 50 and derivatives from 1955 to 2000 |series=Planes and Pilots 6 |isbn=2-913903-92-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Pérez San Emeterio |first=Carlos |year=1978 |publisher=Editorial San Martin, Madrid |title=Mirage. Espejismo de la técnica y de la política |series=Armas 30 |language=es |isbn=84-7140-158-4}}

==External links==
{{Commons|IAI Kfir}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090120194731/http://home.att.net/~jbaugher4/f21.html Israel Aircraft Industries F-21A Kfir]
* [http://walkarounds.scalemodels.ru/v/walkarounds/avia/after_1950/kfir_c1/ Walkaround IAI Kfir C.1, I.A.F. Museum, Israel]
* [http://walkarounds.scalemodels.ru/v/walkarounds/avia/after_1950/f-21a/ Walkaround IAI F-21A Kfir, I.A.F. Museum, Israel]
* [http://walkarounds.scalemodels.ru/v/walkarounds/avia/after_1950/kfir_C2_451/ Walkaround IAI Kfir C.2, I.A.F. Museum, Israel]
* [http://walkarounds.scalemodels.ru/v/walkarounds/avia/after_1950/kfir_c2/ Walkaround  IAI Kfir C.2, I.A.F. Museum, Israel]
* [http://walkarounds.scalemodels.ru/v/walkarounds/avia/after_1950/kfir_tc2/ Walkaround IAI Kfir TC.2, I.A.F. Museum, Israel]

{{Dassault Mirage family}}
{{IAI aircraft}}
{{US fighters}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Iai Kfir}}
[[Category:Canard aircraft]]
[[Category:Tailless delta-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:IAI aircraft]]
[[Category:1970s Israeli fighter aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1973]]
[[Category:Third-generation jet fighter]]