Skewer competition

Goal of the competition is to establish which is the best fighter squadron in the Heyl Ha'Avir (IAF, Israeli Air Force).

Each year, the IAF fighter squadrons have the opportunity to prove their capabilities in a so-called 'Champions League' tournament, which starts with the Skewer competition. The competition is a stimulating way to create a competitive spirit among the participating units to bring out the best levels for the implementation of the most difficult missions.

The fighter squadrons participate with four aircraft each and one week in advance they receive the information needed to challenge the various scenarios. These scenarios are similar to the required missions in military conflicts in the region and focus on the attack on vital targets protected by air defence systems and interception of combat aircraft.

The evaluation is made by collecting points. If a target is hit, the squadron earns a point. If the target is missed the squadron loses a point. Also when one of the own aircraft is 'shot down', the squadron loses a point too.

This exercise was held on Thursday 19 August 2021 in the Sde Boker-Mitzpe Ramon area, where fighter aircraft could fly at lower altitudes. Though the Skewer competition is a long-lasting tradition that takes place annually, this was the first year that the F-35I Adir Squadrons participated – the 116th Lions of the South Squadron and 140th Golden Eagle Squadron.

This year's winner has not been announced yet. We wait and see if the fifth generation aircraft are also superior in the Skewer competition.

Photo by IAF