IAI Lavi

The IAI Lavi (Hebrew: לביא, "Lion Cub") was a single-engine, delta-wing, multirole combat aircraft developed in Israel by Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) during the 1980s. It was intended to be the Israel Air Force's (IAF) next-generation fighter and to provide Israel with a high degree of independence in military aviation.

The Lavi program was highly ambitious, seeking to develop an advanced aircraft incorporating technologies such as fly-by-wire, canard control surfaces, and advanced avionics. It was designed to be a versatile platform capable of air-to-air combat, strike, and reconnaissance missions. The aircraft was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney PW1120 turbofan engine.

Despite successful flight testing and positive initial assessments, the Lavi program was controversial due to its high development costs and concerns about its economic viability. Strong pressure from the United States, which offered to supply the IAF with advanced American-made aircraft (primarily the F-16), further contributed to the debate.

In 1987, the Israeli government made the decision to cancel the Lavi program. The cancellation sparked significant debate and controversy within Israel's defense establishment and political circles. Some argued that the decision represented a missed opportunity to establish a robust domestic aerospace industry and maintain strategic independence. Others maintained that the program was financially unsustainable and that purchasing foreign aircraft was a more cost-effective solution.

While the Lavi program was terminated, the research and development efforts associated with it contributed to advancements in Israeli aerospace technology and skills. Elements of the Lavi's design and technologies were later incorporated into other Israeli defense projects and export opportunities. The Lavi remains a significant case study in the complexities of defense procurement and the challenges of developing indigenous military technology.