The Israeli Air Force's reputation has always preceded it, but during that fateful night between Thursday and Friday, Israel and the world witnessed jaw-dropping capabilities during the historic strike on Iran. What you likely don't realize is that behind every successful aircrew stands a simulator instructor.
I encountered them merely four days before the strike, completely unaware of the momentous events that weekend would bring. As one instructor explained to me, "People assume I just push a button and my role ends there," but after experiencing firsthand what Israeli Air Force pilots endure and witnessing one of the IDF's most sophisticated systems – you'll join me in saluting the female soldiers who prepare both future and veteran combat pilots.
Bustling hub of sorties
By midday at Hatzor Air Base, the training facility had transformed into a bustling hub of "sorties" – their term for simulator exercises. The schedule runs so intensively that we couldn't even get a glimpse of the action before my anticipated opportunity to experience pilot training firsthand, and understandably so. These instructors shoulder the responsibility of training flight school graduates during their ground conversion phase while simultaneously conducting proficiency training for experienced pilots, particularly crucial during wartime.
The facility contains two primary simulators – an emergency trainer that prepares pilots for in-flight malfunctions, and a tactical mission simulator replicating combat scenarios in Barak and Sufa aircraft (F-16) and Baz and Ra'am aircraft (F-15). Each mission spans roughly 45 minutes, featuring pre-flight briefings from instructors and post-mission debriefings. Instructors operate the entire simulation from a dedicated control room, customizing scenarios for each pilot's specific training needs while using their creativity to modify simulations in real-time for optimal training effectiveness.
"I accomplished things I never imagined possible"
If you're already considering the immense responsibility placed on these young women in their twenties, Staff Sergeant M., an emergency simulator instructor, acknowledges the pressure inherent in wartime training responsibilities. "The responsibility is massive – restoring someone's proficiency with aircraft they haven't operated for extended periods while ensuring they recall everything from five years ago, all with minimal sorties before returning to active squadron duty. They're here for just one day – practically no time – then must execute the most critical mission of defending our nation."
"I accomplished things I never imagined possible," M. reflected with evident pride. "Sortie management presents real challenges. Instructing 20 aircrews while they pepper you with questions requires skill. Witnessing our preparations come to fruition feels surreal. Understanding your contribution to something monumentally significant remains incredible, despite never personally attacking targets or engaging drones."
Leave it to the professionals
Regarding the crucial question – how accurately does simulation mirror reality? Beyond the simulator officer Lieutenant A.'s confirmation of exceptional accuracy levels, the motion sickness I experienced during my simulator session validates her assertions. The facility features authentic pilot cockpits surrounded by massive screens delivering flawless terrain simulation, encompassing everything from flight trajectories to precise topographical details spanning from Dan to Eilat, and although I wasn't privileged to experience it, territories beyond national borders as well.
Though briefly, the simulator transported me from solid ground to operations at 30,000 feet, while A. highlighted a fundamental element absent from training – G-force effects on pilots within cockpits. As I struggled following her guidance without crashing under considerably easier circumstances, I realized aerial operations belong to professionals – and the accomplished women who prepare them.
