Between 1962 and 1967, Israel received a total of 76 Mirage IIICJ interceptors, two Mirage IIIRJ reconnaissance fighters, and three (out of four that were on order) Mirage IIIBJ two-seat conversion trainers with combat capability. Initially, the type’s service in Israel was marred by technical problems related to its Cyrano radar, weapons system, and engine, and the Mirage’s effectiveness was low. Moreover, pilots found themselves ill-prepared to counter slower but more manoeuvrable types like MiG-15s, MiG-17s and Hunters. This is a reconstruction of the first Mirage IIICJ considered an operational loss: serial number 27 from No. 101 Squadron. On 21 December 1964, while returning from a clash with Hunters of the Royal Jordanian Air Force, it ran out of fuel while on finals to Hatzor AB, forcing the pilot Michael Barazam to eject. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)