F-16I Sufa: The Negev Storm

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The F-16I Sufa is a specialized Israeli variant of the American F-16 Fighting Falcon, developed in the early 2000s amidst growing military modernization in the Middle East.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]By the mid 1990s, Israel sought to replace aging aircraft like the F-4 Phantom II and A-4 Skyhawk, while also complementing its fleet of F-15s and earlier F-16s, as neighboring states were acquiring more advanced Russian aircraft and air defense systems. In 1999, Israel signed a deal with the United States under the Peace Marble V program, leading to the procurement of 102 two-seat F-16Is, making it the largest single fighter purchase in Israeli history.[/p][p]The Sufa (“Storm”) was heavily modified to meet Israel’s unique operational needs, featuring conformal fuel tanks for extended range, Israeli-made avionics, electronic warfare suites, helmet-mounted sights, and compatibility with domestic weapons. Its two-seat configuration also allowed for improved mission management, especially for deep strike and suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) roles.[/p][p]Entering service in 2004, the F-16I quickly became the backbone of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), participating in operations such as 2006’s Lebanon War and later strikes in Syria, demonstrating the effectiveness of the upgrades the platform received. To date, the F-16I remains one of the most modern fighters employed by the Israeli air force.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the F-16I Sufa![/h3][p][/p][p]In the Tusk Force major update, the Israel aviation tree will gain access to one of the most advanced fighters currently employed by the IAF, namely the F-16I Sufa. Although based on the American F-16 Block 52, the Sufa represents an extensive upgrade program to the F-16 platform including many domestic Israeli systems. Let’s take a further look at this fighter![/p][p][/p][p]Visually, the Sufa might closely resemble the Barak II which seasoned Israel air players will have already acquainted themselves with. While this may likely be attributed to the twin-seat cockpit layout, the F-16I speaks an entirely different story when throwing a glimpse “under the hood”. Equipped with the new Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofan engine the F-16I keeps the dynamic characteristics of its predecessor, despite the slight increase in mass. However, it will obviously lack in dynamics when using new Conformal Fuel Tanks.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Speaking of increased payloads, the Sufa retains the large selection of suspended weapons while also getting new ones, meaning that it will have access to the advanced IR (AIM-9L and AIM-9M) and ARH missiles (AIM-120C-5) as well as a large selection of precision guided and unguided bombs. Among the strike weapons, it is worth noting the line of SPICE bombs with a TV guidance, ranging from 250 (new to the game) to 2000 kg. As such, the F-16I can conduct strike missions in combined battles with even greater accuracy while avoiding straying too close to hostile air defences. Another worthy addition is the PAWS-2 MAWS, capable of keeping the pilot aware of incoming missiles.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The F-16I Sufa will soon be making its way to the top rank of the Israeli aviation tree in the Tusk Force major update. In the meantime however, make sure to stay tuned to the news for the latest information regarding the upcoming update. That’s all for today, pilots. Until the next one, we wish you clear skies and good hunting![/p][p][/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]