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Aug. 19, 2015 / 4:08 PM

Israeli F-16s to carry small diameter bombs

Israel has authorized its squadron of F-16 jets to be equipped with small diameter bombs.

Israeli Air Force F-16I aircraft. Photo: Israel Defense Force.

Israeli Air Force F-16I aircraft. Photo: Israel Defense Force.

TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Israeli Air Force F-16I fighters are for the first time equipped with advanced small diameter bombs.

The bombs, which were previously only carried by a squadron of IAF F-15I squadron, are long-range guided weapons. The bombs weigh about 250 pounds each, which means the fighters can carry a greater ordnance load.

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The IAF said the F-16I squadron, called the Knights of the Orange Tail, were authorized to carry the weapons in time of war following an operational review by the service's Air Operations Division.

"The thought behind the move is to spread different capabilities among the force's squadrons, to provide operational flexibility to the force," said an IAF major. "In the process we combined the capabilities of the F-16I with the powerful SDB. Obtaining this special weapon is a real quantum leap for the squadron and will enable the F-16Is to take part in special missions in various arenas."

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