The Kfir (Hebrew for “lion cub”) from Israel Aircraft Industries is an all-weather multirole aircraft used by the Israeli Air Force (IAF). Its origins are steeped in intrigue, with Mossad allegedly able to acquire plans of a French Mirage III that were then used directly in the design process. The Kfir entered Israeli service in 1975 with the famous 1st Fighter Squadron, and its first combat mission was in 1977 during an air strike against a terrorist training camp in Lebanon. Kfirs were also involved in the invasion of Lebanon in 1982, though in the late 1990s they were finally withdrawn from active duty after nearly 20 years of service.

As part of its aircraft model kit series, Dragon has unveiled an exciting twin-pack containing two Kfir variants. These are the C2 and the upgraded C7, the latter serving as a fighter bomber in the IAF. The C2 is aircraft “874” of 101 Squadron, and is historically important as it was the only Kfir ever to score an aerial victory, in this case on June 27 1979 when it shot down a Syrian MiG-21. The second model is a C7 from the “Guardians of the Arava” Squadron, an aircraft that would be painted in F-16-style colors and camouflage. The model aircraft are exceptionally well made, and contain accurate details. High-quality markings produced by Cartograf provide the perfect finish to these fine miniature aircraft. It’s not often Israeli aircraft appear in kit form, but now Dragon offers two in one box!

Used with permission, copyright (c)2008 Dragon Models USA