117 Squadron (Israel)

The 117 Squadron of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), also known as the First Jet Squadron, is initially a training squadron for F-35I Adir fighter pilots, based at Nevatim Airbase.

History

Before it closed in September 2020 after 67 years of service, the 117th was an F-16C fighter squadron based at Ramat David Airbase. The squadron was openend there on 17 June 1953 and operated Israel's first jet fighter, the Gloster Meteor, flying the T.7, F.8 and FR.9 variants.
In July 2021, Airforce Technology reported that the Israeli Air Force had re-established the 117 Squadron "First Jet" as a training squadron in the IAF's F-35I Adir division, based at Nevatim Airbase in the Negev. It will become an operational squadron as soon as there are enough jets arrived from the US.