Israel's Kfir fighter lives on 53 years after its first flight

More than 53 years after its maiden flight, the Israeli Kfir fighter jet is still flying worldwide, and is expected to remain in the air past its 60th year. Although the Lavi program was canceled, Kfir production ended long ago, and the Israeli Air Force retired the aircraft in the mid-1990s, the jet has found a long second life abroad.

Sri Lanka announced that its first upgraded Kfir, refurbished by Israel Aerospace Industries, completed a successful test flight in the presence of local officials. Sri Lanka bought 12 Kfirs in 1996 and used them against Tamil rebels. It is now upgrading the five remaining aircraft in a $50 million deal. The jets received an advanced cockpit, a new mission computer and other avionics improvements.

Colombia also still operates a Kfir squadron acquired from Israel Aerospace Industries about 15 years ago after a major upgrade that included an advanced Israeli radar, aerial refueling capability and Rafael weaponry. Colombia also bought a Boeing 767 that IAI converted into a tanker. But it has already ordered new Saab Gripen aircraft from Sweden and will begin grounding the Kfirs next year.

Ecuador bought a Kfir squadron as well, but has already retired it. In the United States, six Kfirs continue to fly with ATAC, which provides adversary-air services. The U.S. Navy once operated 24 of the aircraft under the designation F-21, but now contracts these services from private companies. Over the years, Israel Aerospace Industries produced 220 Kfir jets.