In addition to the Argentine Air Force and the Brazilian Navy, the aggressor training service company Top Aces has become the third operator worldwide of the legendary A-4 Skyhawk. Properly upgraded and equipped with the latest technology, these aircraft provide invaluable aggressor training services to some of the world’s most prominent air forces. Recently, the Canadian firm celebrated the addition of a new A-4N Skyhawk, which, as can be observed, previously belonged to the Israeli Air Force.
As of today, Top Aces is one of the leading companies worldwide offering aggressor services and training, thanks to an extensive fleet of combat aircraft acquired over the years. Some of the models in its inventory include F-16A/B fighters, Alpha Jet advanced trainer aircraft, and McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawks.
To provide aggressor services to air forces such as those of the United States and Canada, the company has equipped its aircraft with new technologies. For example, the F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet has been fitted with infrared search and track (IRST) systems—specifically, Northrop Grumman’s OpenPod architecture equipped with Leonardo’s Skyward long-wave infrared sensors.
Regarding the Skyhawks, they have been outfitted with new AESA radars (presumably from ELTA or Leonardo) and, more recently, with infrared search and track (IRST) capability through the integration of what appears to be Leonardo’s Selex ES IRST system.
These new systems enable them to engage modern fighters in simulated air combat in the aggressor role. This was demonstrated during their first participation in the training of current and future Canadian CF-18 Hornet pilots in June 2024.
Returning to the company’s latest development, Top Aces recently announced via its social media channels the addition of a “new” A-4N Skyhawk to its aggressor fleet, confirming that it will be used to train new Canadian pilots as part of the Contracted Airborne Training Services (CATS) program.
Although no further details were provided, the paint scheme and other distinguishing features confirm that it is one of the A-4N Ayit aircraft that previously served with the Israeli Air Force. The aircraft bears the number “421” and registration “C-FGQE,” suggesting that it was among those that served with the IAF’s 102nd Squadron. Known as the “Flying Tiger Squadron,” this unit operated TA-4H Skyhawk trainers and A-4N Skyhawks acquired from the United States for many years, until the last unit was retired in 2015. The squadron currently operates the new Leonardo M-346 Lavi.
*Photographs: Top Aces.
