Bristol Beaufighter in Israeli Service

Following the establishment of Israel after the Second World War and the threat of war, Israel needed combat aircraft. This was not possible using legal means, as an arms embargo prevented all acquisitions. Instead, aircraft were purchased by any means available. The Bristol Beaufighters were purchased under the ruse of film making. Five were purchased, but one crashed on day three of the filming.

In order to leave England, a flight plan was filed to Scotland, for additional filming. However, the four planes headed for Corsica then Yugoslavia before reaching Israel.

Operated by the Israeli Air Force from August 1948, they participated in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war but were withdrawn from service shortly after due to poor condition. One was lost during the conflict.

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