Three-week grounding for F-16 squadron after hitting incorrect targets

Following two incidents of striking incorrect targets in Gaza, an F-16 crew from Ramon Airbase was grounded for three weeks, Kan Reshet Bet reported on Monday. The Air Force described the errors as a "reference point error" that happened twice in the same squadron within two weeks.

The initial strike error was due to pilots entering an incorrect ground reference point. After updating protocols, a few days later, during an air raid on five Gaza targets, the crew again mistyped a number, resulting in another incorrect target strike.

An Air Force report pointed to: "Neglect in following ground target validation protocols, errors in typing reference points, failure to adhere to additional inspection protocols, and reluctance to adapt to new protocols post-incident."

The Air Force highlighted that no damage or injuries were reported in either incident.