The Israel Air Force (IAF) displayed its colors on Independence Day with a traditional flyby in the skies of Israel, and about 70,000 people visited the IAF’s bases, according to the IAF Website.

On display in the skies were many of the models currently serving in the IAF’s combat jet, helicopter and transport squadrons.

The main flyby passed over central and northern Israel, but three F-16s flew over the Negev and Eilat.

The IAF aerobatic team gave airshows over the IAF Technical School in Haifa, over Ramat David and Tel Nof air bases, above the beach in Tel Aviv and over Sacker Park in Jerusalem.

Tens of thousands of visitors filled IAF bases from south to north. At the Ramat David Air Base in the Galilee, thousands of people watched a maritime rescue drill, with the participation of the Atalef choppers (Eurocopter AS 565 SA).

The IAF Website further reported that Tel Nof Base in central Israel was flooded by 30,000 visitors. They watched F-15s take off to take part in the flyby, and saw a display by the vaunted 669 search and rescue unit.

About 10,000 people toured the Technical School in Haifa, and viewed displays prepared by the Central Instruction Center in the IAF’s Technical Array. These included F-16 munitions and Atalef helicopters.

A similar number of people visited the Hatzerim Base in the Negev, which featured guided tours, a performance by the IAF troupe, a “flight course” for children and more.

IAF Website