The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has received three Air Tractor F-802 firefighting aircraft at the Sde Dov air force base, which will become a part of the IAF’s new firefighting unit.

Air Tractor F-802 aircraft possess one engine, can fly for three hours without refuelling and are capable of carrying 3,000 litres of water.

IAF Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Nimrod Sheffer, said the aircraft would significantly improve Israel’s ability to fight fires.

“I hope that these planes will only go out on training missions and that we will not need them for operational missions,” he added.