Lavi: Israel’s Forgotten Supersonic Breakthrough

Built to outperform rivals and cement Israel’s defense autonomy, the Lavi was a next-gen multirole jet that never reached full production. Its pioneering design and advanced avionics positioned it as a serious competitor to the F-16. Yet, geopolitical pressures and internal budgetary disputes led to its abrupt termination. Allegations later emerged linking its design to China’s J-10 fighter, fueling speculation of covert technology transfer. Despite its cancellation, the Lavi profoundly influenced Israel’s high-tech and aerospace sectors.