July 27, 2012

(JTA) – An Israeli F-16A jet fighter was forced to make an emergency landing after an airborne refueling exercise.

A refueling pipe from one plane touched the body of an F-16A fighter jet, causing light damage to both planes, Haaretz reported. The pilot decided to make an emergency landing at a base near Eilat.

There were no injuries as a result of the accident and the Israel Air Force is investigating the incident, the newspaper reported.

If Israel launches a preemptive strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, it is widely expected that its planes will need airborne refueling capabilities. 

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