119 Squadron (Israel)

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The 119 Squadron, also known as the "Bat Squadren," is a Lockheed Martin F-16I Sufa fighter squadron based at Ramon Airbase in Israel. The squadron has a rich history dating back to its formation on September 8, 1956, under the command of Yoash Tzidon.

Initially equipped with Gloster Meteor NF.13 (Night Fighter, two-seater) jets, which were delivered from the Royal Air Force (RAF), the squadron saw action in several conflicts, including the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War. During this time, 19 Squadron emerged as the top-scoring unit in the Israeli Air Force.

In 1970, the squadron relocated to Ramat David Airbase and began converting its aircraft to McDonnell Douglas F-4E Kurnass. The squadron continued to operate these jets until their retirement in 2004. In that year, the squadron was relocated to Ramon Airbase, where it currently operates the F-16I Sufa.

The squadron's motto is "On the night of the night and in the fog, we also fly when the birds walk," which reflects its history as a night fighter unit. The squadron has been involved in several notable operations, including Operation Orchard in 2018.

History

### Meteor, Vautour, and Mirage (1956-1970)

The squadron was first formed on September 8, 1956, at Ramat David Air Base under the command of Yoash Tzidon. The squadron's early aircraft were Gloster Meteor NF.13 jets, which were delivered from the Royal Air Force in October 1956.

In 1958, the squadron transferred to Tel Nof and continued to operate both Meteor NF.13 and Vautour IIN jets until 1963, when the Metear NF-13 was retired from Israeli service and the Vautours were transferred to 110 Squadron at Ramat David Airbase.

The squadron fought in the Six-Day War under the command of Ran Ronen-Pekker, where it emerged as the top-scoring unit in the Israeli Air Force. The squadron also saw action during the Yom Kippur War and the 1982 Lebanon War.

### Sufa (2004-present)

In 2004, the squadron relocated to Ramon Airbase, swapping places with 157th Squadron, which moved