Amazing achievement: 36 brand new IDF fighter pilots earn their wings

In a ceremony marked by poignant speeches and proud traditions, 36 new aircrew members were inducted into the Israeli Air Force (IAF) today. The 188th Pilot Training Course graduation, held at Ovda Air Force Base, saw these elite cadets don their officer ranks and wings, poised to become the vanguard of Israel’s operational and strategic air missions.

The ceremony, attended by IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi and Air Force Commander Major General Tomer Bar, was a testament to the enduring legacy and future promise of the IAF. Families, friends, and notable guests, including Fernando Merman—rescued from Gaza four months ago in Operation Golden Hands—gathered to witness this pivotal moment.

Lt. Gen. Halevi reflected on the Air Force's pivotal role in Israel's security landscape. He recounted a recent visit to the Khan Yunis conflict zone, where he witnessed a Yanshuf helicopter's daring low-altitude mission to evacuate wounded soldiers. "The determination and professionalism I saw in the pilots' faces were a testament to the high standards upheld by the IAF," he said.

He also honored the memory of Avi Lanir, a courageous pilot who perished under Syrian torture during the Yom Kippur War. Halevi urged the new graduates to read Lanir’s biography. "Like Avi, you must remember that despite the advanced machinery, success lies in the human element," he told the cadets.

Both leaders emphasized the critical role of technological innovation and international collaboration. Bar acknowledged the partnership with U.S. Central Command and the integration of cutting-edge Israeli technologies in enhancing defense capabilities. "A strong defense is a prerequisite, but defeating the enemy on their territory is the complete solution," he stated.

Maj. Gen. Bar encouraged the graduates to embrace their roles with courage and commitment. "You are now part of a distinguished lineage of air force warriors. Your training has prepared you for the challenges ahead, and I trust in your abilities to carry out every mission with excellence.

The ceremony also paid tribute to the families and instructors who supported the cadets through their rigorous training. "Your role in nurturing and guiding these young men and women cannot be overstated," Halevi said. "Your pride is well-deserved." Bar echoed this sentiment, thanking the training staff and the broader IAF community for their dedication and exemplary standards. "You have molded these graduates into the next generation of air force leaders," he said. "Today, we celebrate not just the achievement of these cadets but the collective effort of everyone involved."

As the new pilots take to the skies, they do so with the weight of history on their wings and the promise of a secure future in their sights.