Fighter Jets Capture Stunning Footage Of Israel On 69th Birthday

By Andrew Tobin May 4, 2017

TEL AVIV (JTA) — The Air Force’s annual Independence Day flyover Tuesday was an impressive display of Israel’s aerial ascendancy.

But the pilots in the cockpits arguably saw the better show. Cruising at low altitude, they were treated to stunning views of Israel celebrating its 69th birthday at barbecues and beach parties held across the country, from the Negev to the Galilee.

“It was very, very exciting to see these places so close up,” said Lt. R, who piloted an F-15 in the flyover and could only be identified by his first initial because of Air Force security rules. “Our friends and family were waving at us, and we were looking for them.”

R’s fighter jet was one several outfitted with cameras for the event. The footage offers close-ups of the squadrons in action and expansive shots of Israel’s cities, coastline and farmland.

“When I flew over my hometown in the south, I knew where my family was, and they knew how to spot me,” Lt. R said. “

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