Military history is filled with stories of bravery and strategic genius, but few are as extraordinary as the events that occurred over the Sinai Peninsula in the first few hours of the Yom Kippur War. On October 6, 1973, a day of profound religious significance for Jews, a large-scale raid in Egypt broke the peace and Israel was completely caught off guard.
This wasn’t merely a skirmish; it was a full-scale assault, with a dark, ominous cloud of over 200 Egyptian aircraft heralding the storm. Amidst this unfolding chaos, the Israeli Air Force Base Ofira, nestled strategically at Sharm el-Sheikh, became a primary target. A formidable enemy formation—comprising 20 MiG-17s and eight MiG-21s—crept over the horizon, their single, merciless objective being to neutralize this vital military stronghold and ensure no aerial opposition.
From this dire situation, a legend was born. Battling the sudden onslaught and initially unaware of the sheer number of enemy aircraft, Israel scrambled its available resources. Two F-4E Phantom II fighter jets were quickly launched to confront a daunting swarm of 28 MiGs. As these two Israeli defenders climbed into the sky, they were met with a terrifying sight: a vast formation of enemy planes ready for a battle that would be forever remembered.
1.The Yom Kippur War, which began on October 6, 1973, remains a critical and defining conflict in modern warfare, especially for Israel and the Arab nations led by Egypt and Syria. This war was carefully planned as a surprise attack, deliberately launched on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, exploiting the nation’s solemn observance and leaving the Israeli military unprepared for the offensive’s intensity.
The war commenced with a massive Egyptian air strike, involving over 200 aircraft participating in the opening salvos against Israeli military installations. The sheer volume of this initial assault, combined with its timing, was designed to overwhelm Israel’s defenses and establish an immediate advantage for the Arab forces. It was a moment when the quiet reverence of a holy day transformed instantly into a frenzied struggle for survival, highlighting the brutal realities of geopolitical conflict.
2. **Ofira Air Base: A Vital Outpost in the Sinai** Ofira Air Base, strategically located near Sharm el-Sheikh on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, was a critical component of Israel’s defense posture. Its geographical position made it an indispensable asset for guarding the southern flank and projecting air power into the Red Sea region. The base was especially vital for countering potential naval threats and protecting key Israeli assets in the area.
On that momentous day, Ofira found itself directly in the path of the Egyptian assault. The base was subjected to a heavy attack by a formidable contingent of the Egyptian Air Force, comprising 20 MiG-17s, primarily ground-attack aircraft, and an escort of eight MiG-21s for air-to-air combat, aiming to neutralize the airfield and prevent any aerial resistance to support the Egyptian ground forces advancing through northern Sinai. The survival of the base and the southern front hinged on the defenders’ ability to repel this overwhelming assault.
3. **The F-4E Phantom II ‘Kurnass’: Israel’s Aerial Giant** The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, affectionately named ‘Kurnass’ or ‘Heavy Hammer’ by the Israelis, was a relatively new and immensely powerful addition to the Israeli Air Force (IAF) inventory. Its introduction in 1969 marked a significant upgrade in Israel’s air power capabilities. This versatile fighter-bomber was renowned for its speed, range, and armament, quickly becoming the backbone of many air forces around the world.
The F-4’s acquisition was also a strategic necessity for Israel. Following a French arms embargo in the late 1960s, Israel was compelled to seek new sources for advanced military aircraft. The Phantom’s exceptional combat record, particularly its reputation as a ‘MiG-killer’ during the Vietnam War, had caught Israel’s attention. This proven combat effectiveness made the F-4 an ideal choice for the IAF, providing them with a formidable platform capable of both air superiority and ground attack missions.
4.Piloting one of the two F-4E Phantoms at Ofira on that crucial day was Amir Nahumi. Despite being relatively new to combat, Nahumi possessed a keen understanding of aerial warfare and an unwavering determination that proved vital, his leadership and exceptional skill about to be put to the test against overwhelming odds.
Nahumi’s battlefield decisions, often deviating from standard procedures, highlighted his daring approach. He was more than just a pilot; he was a tactical genius in the cockpit, capable of swift evaluations and bold maneuvers that could turn the tide against a numerically superior adversary, cementing his reputation for exceptional flying and composure.
5.Flying as Nahumi’s wingman was Daniel Shaki, piloting the second F-4E Phantom. While Nahumi led the charge, Shaki’s role was equally vital. In the intricate dance of aerial combat, a wingman’s ability to maintain formation, provide support, and execute maneuvers in unison with the lead pilot is crucial for success, and Shaki proved to be an incredibly strong and dependable partner.
Alongside Shaki in the rear cockpit was navigator David Regev, working in tandem with Nahumi and his navigator Yossi Yavin. Shaki’s calm demeanor under extreme pressure and his significant contribution to the unfolding battle against the Egyptian MiGs underscored his own formidable abilities, forming a powerful, though outnumbered, duo ready to face the challenge.
6.The events of October 6, 1973, were preceded by warning signs that were tragically underestimated. In the summer of 1973, an incident involving Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114, which accidentally strayed into Sinai airspace, resulted in a swift and deadly response from the Israeli Air Force, with the airliner being shot down after failing to comply with landing orders.
This incident has heightened concerns within the Indian Air Force Command about potential retaliation against Israeli El Al aircraft traveling to and from South Africa, resulting in Ofira’s fighter jets being put on rapid response alert. The missions of these aircraft also included defending against the threat posed by Egyptian MiG fighter jets stationed in Hurghada to the Israeli Navy’s Red Sea small fleet and Eagle missile units guarding the Red Sea Strait. The base commander at the time, Ya’acov ‘Yak’ Nevo, understood the necessity of being ready at all times and unknowingly laid the foundation for this intense battle.
