How Israel built the best jetfighter in the world… then abandoned it

Israel is known for its advanced and innovative military technology, especially in the field of aviation. One of the most ambitious and controversial projects that Israel ever undertook was the development of the Lavi, a fourth-generation multirole fighter jet that was supposed to rival the best aircrafts in the world. However, after spending billions of dollars and years of research and testing, Israel decided to cancel the Lavi program in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of what could have been.

The birth of the Lavi

The Lavi, which means “lion” in Hebrew, was conceived in the late 1970s as a response to the changing security and geopolitical situation in the Middle East. Israel faced increasing threats from its Arab neighbors, who were acquiring more sophisticated weapons from the Soviet Union and other sources. Israel also wanted to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers, especially the United States, which imposed political and economic constraints on its arms sales to Israel. Therefore, Israel sought to develop its own indigenous fighter jet that would meet its specific operational and strategic needs.

The Lavi was designed by Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), the leading aerospace and aviation manufacturer in Israel, with the assistance of American and European companies. The Lavi was intended to be a lightweight, agile, and maneuverable fighter that could perform various missions, such as air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attack, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. The Lavi was also equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, such as a fly-by-wire system, a glass cockpit, a digital flight control system, and a multimode radar. The Lavi was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney PW1120 turbofan engine, which was derived from the F100 engine used by the F-15 and F-16 fighters.

The Lavi project was supported by the Israeli Air Force (IAF), which saw the Lavi as a replacement for its aging fleet of A-4 Skyhawks and Kfir fighters. The IAF also hoped that the Lavi would give it an edge over its adversaries, who were acquiring more advanced aircrafts, such as the MiG-29 and the Su-27. This aircraft was also seen as a source of national pride and prestige, as well as a catalyst for economic growth and technological innovation.

The death of the Lavi

The Lavi project faced many challenges and difficulties from the start. This project was a complex and costly endeavor, requiring a high level of technical expertise and financial resources. It was estimated to cost around $3 billion, which was a huge burden for Israel’s defense budget and economy. On top of that, it encountered political opposition and criticism from various quarters, both inside and outside Israel.

One of the main opponents of the Lavi project was the United States, which was the main ally and benefactor of Israel. The United States provided Israel with substantial military and economic aid, as well as access to advanced weapons and technology. However, the United States was also concerned about the impact of Israel building this aircraft on its own interests and influence in the region and the world. The US feared that the Lavi would compete with its own fighter jets, such as the F-16 and the F-18, in the international market. They also worried that the Lavi would undermine its leverage and control over Israel’s foreign and defense policy. Therefore, the United States pressured Israel to cancel the Lavi project, offering alternative options, such as buying more American fighters or co-developing a new fighter with the United States.

Another source of opposition to the Lavi project came from within Israel itself. This costly project was criticized by some Israeli politicians, military officials, and analysts, who questioned its feasibility, necessity, and affordability. They argued that the Lavi was too risky, expensive, and ambitious for Israel’s capabilities and needs. They suggested that Israel should focus on improving its existing fighters, such as the F-15 and the F-16, or acquiring new fighters from other sources, such as the F-20 or the Mirage 2000. They also claimed that the Lavi would divert resources and attention from other vital areas, such as intelligence, missile defense, and ground forces.

A critical juncture was reached in 1987, when the first two prototypes of the Lavi made their successful maiden flights. At this point the Lavi project was ready to enter the next phase of development and production, which would require more funding and commitment from the Israeli government and the American administration. However, the opposition to this project was becoming more pronounced.

On August 30, 1987, the Israeli cabinet voted to terminate the Lavi project, by a narrow margin of 12 to 11. The decision was influenced by several factors, such as the economic crisis, the political pressure, the strategic assessment, and the personal preferences of the key decision-makers. The decision was a shock and a disappointment for many Israelis, especially the supporters and the workers of the Lavi project. The abandonment of this project was also a controversial and a contentious one, sparking a heated debate and a bitter dispute in Israel and beyond.

The legacy of the Lavi

The cancellation of the Lavi project marked the end of an era and the beginning of another. That was the largest and the most ambitious weapons development program in the history of Israel, and its termination had significant and lasting consequences for Israel’s defense industry, military capability, and national identity.

On the one hand, The fact that the Lavi project didn't went forward was a setback and a loss for Israel. Because this project didn't proceed, billions of dollar and years of work have been wasted. Israel has also been deprived of a strategic asset that could have improved its security and deterrence.

On the other hand, the cancellation of the Lavi project was also an opportunity and a benefit for Israel. As a result, resource have been freed up and that meant that it could be allocated to other area and priorities , such as upgrading existing fighters, acquiring new fighters, developing unmanned aerial vehicles, and strengthening missile defense. Also, Israel has been able to improve its relationship with the United States, which increased its military and economic aid, as well as its support for Israel’s qualitative military edge.

The Lavi project was a remarkable chapter in the history of Israel. It demonstrated Israel’s vision and ambition, as well as its challenges and limitations, in the pursuit of security and independence. The Lavi is a legend of what could have been.