Effects of Air Power Theory on the Formation and Evolution of the Israeli Air Force

Abstract

Maybe we can rightly call the 20^th century the century of aviation. The impact of technical progress on modern warfare is also unquestionable. Giulio Douhet’s theory about air power appears in the evolution and operation of the national air forces even today. In this article, we attempt to examine the evolution of the Israeli Air Force from the beginning to the present days. The thought experiment is based on Douhet’s principles to identify phenomena that bear resemblance to some elements of the theory of air power. Given the special nature of the Israeli security environment, these elements cannot be discerned crystal clear in any historical period. At the same time to respond to challenges and threats, the modern Israeli Air Force combines all the important and useful components of Douhet’s air power theory.