The Avias were dismantled, shipped to Israel at night, and secretly reassembled at Ekron (later: Tel Nof Air Force Base). On 29 May 1948, they attacked an Egyptian column of some 500 vehicles near a bridge south of Ashdod. The surprised Egyptians scattered for cover. By the time they regrouped, they had lost the offensive and failed to advance any further. The bombed-out bridge became known as Gesher Ad Halom (Until Here Bridge).
For more on this battle, view The First IAF Fighter Mission.
Avia S 199
Shakeen (Knife)
101 Squadron
This Czech fighter was the only fighter in Israel's possession at the start of the War of Independence. Israel hurriedly purchased a number of second-rate Czech made Avia S199s in May 1948. The S 199 was a Bf 109G-14 Messerschmitt with a Jumo 211F engine.