The world’s highest-scoring jet fighter pilot served Israel for three decades, achieving 17 confirmed aerial victories
Brigadier General (Reserves) Giora Epstein, the world’s highest-scoring fighter pilot of the jet age, passed away on July 19, 2025, at the age of 87. The Israeli Air Force veteran’s death marks the end of an extraordinary military career that established him as aviation history’s most successful jet-era ace.
From Kibbutz to Combat
Born Giora Even-Epstein in 1938 on an Israeli kibbutz, he spent his formative years in agricultural schools before developing a passionate interest in military aviation and the legendary pilots who mastered the skies. His path to becoming a fighter pilot, however, was far from straightforward.
Initially rejected from flight training due to a heart condition, Epstein’s determination never wavered. After being turned down twice for pilot training, he found an alternative route through the paratroopers, completing an impressive 500 jumps. This persistence ultimately paid off when he was finally accepted into the Israel Air Force pilot training program, where he earned his wings and began what would become a legendary combat career.
Unmatched Combat Record
Throughout his three-decade service with the Israeli Air Force, Epstein distinguished himself as an exceptional combat aviator, particularly while flying the French Mirage III fighter aircraft. His combat record remains unmatched in the jet era, with 17 confirmed aerial victories against Arab MiGs and Sukhoi aircraft.
Epstein’s service spanned some of the most critical periods in Israeli military history, including active participation in both the Six-Day War of 1967 and the Yom Kippur War of 1973. His most remarkable single engagement occurred during what historians consider the largest jet-versus-jet air battle in aviation history, where he achieved four MiG-21 kills in a single mission.
Serving primarily with the 101st and 105th Squadrons, Epstein’s tactical brilliance and flying skills earned him recognition not only within Israel but also throughout the international aviation community.
Leadership and Later Career
Following his combat years, Epstein transitioned into leadership roles, commanding the elite 117th Squadron, known as the First Jet Squadron. He continued to push boundaries even as he aged, remarkably qualifying to fly the advanced F-16 Fighting Falcon at the age of 50. During the 1982 Lebanon War, he commanded the 254th Squadron, demonstrating that his skills remained sharp well into his later career.
His dedication to aviation extended beyond military service, as he also pursued civilian flying. Throughout his career, he accumulated over 9,000 flight hours and had the privilege of meeting numerous aviation legends, including Douglas Bader, Al Deere, Pierre Clostermann, and Randy Cunningham.
Recognition and Legacy
In 2018, then-IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Gadi Eisenkot promoted Epstein to brigadier general in a special ceremony honoring his contributions to Israeli military aviation.
“This is an expression of immense respect and appreciation,” Eisenkot stated during the ceremony. “You belong to the founding generation that built the IDF’s capabilities and passed on a legacy of dedication, victory, and excellence.”
Epstein’s impact on Israeli air superiority cannot be overstated. His tactical innovations, leadership, and unparalleled combat success helped establish the Israeli Air Force as one of the world’s most formidable aerial fighting forces.
Final Years
Following his retirement from active duty, Epstein spent his remaining years quietly in Tel Aviv, where he passed away peacefully. His autobiography, “Hawkeye: The Enthralling Autobiography of the Top-Scoring Israel Air Force Ace of Aces,” co-authored with Ilan Kfir and Danny Dor, provides detailed insights into his remarkable career and the evolution of modern air combat.
Giora Epstein’s legacy extends far beyond his record-breaking kill count. He embodied the determination, skill, and courage that defined a generation of Israeli military aviators who helped secure their nation’s survival during its most challenging periods. His story serves as an enduring testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one exceptional individual can have on military history.
Photo by Israeli Air Force
