October 7–11, 1973 · Sinai Airspace Theater
October 7–11, 1973
In the war's opening days, Israeli Air Force Phantoms and Skyhawks flew into the Egyptian-Syrian SAM umbrella using the same low-level attack tactics that had produced spectacular results in 1967. They flew into a wall of SA-6 missiles operating on frequencies that defeated Israeli countermeasures. In the first 48 hours, over 40 Israeli aircraft were shot down — an unprecedented loss rate. Pilots ejecting over Egyptian-held territory were captured. The IAF was forced to withdraw from deep-strike missions.
Commanders