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{{short description|Carrier-based attack aircraft}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
| name = A-4 (A4D) Skyhawk
| image = File:Douglas A-4E Skyhawk of VA-164 in flight over Vietnam on 21 November 1967 (6430101).jpg <!-- Flight images are preferred for aircraft. Discuss possible change on talk page first. -->
| caption = A U.S. Navy A-4E Skyhawk of VA-164, from {{USS|Oriskany|CV-34|6}}, en route to attack a target in [[North Vietnam]], 21 November 1967
| type = [[Attack aircraft]], [[fighter aircraft|fighter]], [[dissimilar air combat training|aggressor aircraft]]
| national_origin = United States
| manufacturer = [[Douglas Aircraft Company]] <br />[[McDonnell Douglas]]
| designer = <!--Only appropriate for designers, not project leaders -->
| first_flight = {{Start date and age|1954|06|22|df=yes}}
| introduction = {{Start date and age|1956|10|01|df=yes}}
| retired = [[USMC]] (1998), [[U.S. Navy]] (2003)<br />[[Israeli Air Force]] (2015) <br />[[Royal New Zealand Air Force]] (2001)
| status = In limited service with non-U.S. users
| primary_user = [[United States Navy]] <small>(historical)</small><!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top 4 users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on numbers in service. See cited list in Operators section. -->
| more_users = [[United States Marine Corps]] <small>(historical)</small> <br />[[Israeli Air Force]] <small>(historical)</small> <br />[[Argentine Air Force]]<!-- Limit is three (3) in 'more users' field, four (4) total users with primary user. See Operators section below for others. Please separate with <br />. -->
| produced = 1954–1979
| number_built = 2,960
| variants = [[Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk]] <br />[[McDonnell Douglas A-4G Skyhawk]] <br />[[ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk]]
}}

The '''Douglas A-4 Skyhawk''' is a single-seat [[subsonic aircraft|subsonic]] [[Carrier-based aircraft|carrier-capable]] light [[attack aircraft]] designed and produced by the American aerospace manufacturer [[Douglas Aircraft Company]], later built by [[McDonnell Douglas]]. It was originally designated '''A4D''' under the [[United States Navy]]'s [[1922 United States Navy aircraft designation system|pre-1962 designation system]].

The Skyhawk was developed during the early 1950s on behalf of the Navy and [[United States Marine Corps]] as a replacement for the propeller-driven [[Douglas A-1 Skyraider|Douglas A-1 (AD) Skyraider]]. The A-4 is a compact, straightforward, and lightweight aircraft for the era; its [[maximum takeoff weight]] of {{Convert|24500|lb|kg}} was roughly half of the Navy's weight specification. The Skyhawk has a short-span [[delta wing]] configuration, a [[tricycle undercarriage]], and is powered by a single [[turbojet]] engine. The U.S. Navy issued a contract for the aircraft on 12 June 1952. On 22 June 1954, the XA4D-1 prototype performed its [[maiden flight]]; it went on to set a world speed record of 695.163&nbsp;mph on 15 October 1955.<ref name="auto1"/> On 1 October 1956, the Skyhawk was introduced to operational service.

The Skyhawk's five [[hardpoint]]s can carry a variety of missiles, bombs, and other munitions. It can carry a bomb load equivalent to that of the World War II-era [[Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress|Boeing B-17]] bomber, and can deliver nuclear weapons using a low-altitude bombing system and a [[Toss bombing|"loft" delivery]] technique. It pioneered the concept of [[Aerial refueling#Buddy store|"buddy" air-to-air refueling]], which reduces the need for dedicated [[List of tanker aircraft|aerial tankers]]. The Skyhawk was originally powered by the [[Wright J65]] [[turbojet]] engine; from the A-4E onwards, the [[Pratt & Whitney J52]] engine was used instead. By the time production ended in February 1979, a total of 2,960 had been built for a variety of operators, including 555 as two-seat [[trainer (aircraft)|trainers]].

The Skyhawk saw combat in several conflicts. The Navy operated the type as its principal light attack aircraft during the [[Vietnam War]], carrying out some of the [[Operation Pierce Arrow|first U.S. air strikes of the conflict]]. The Skyhawk was the [[Israeli Air Force]]'s main ground attack aircraft during the [[War of Attrition]] and the [[Yom Kippur War]]. In the [[Falklands War]], Argentinean Skyhawks bombed [[Royal Navy]] vessels, sinking the [[Type 42 destroyer]] {{HMS|Coventry|D118|2}} and the [[Type 21 frigate]] {{HMS|Ardent|F184|2}}. [[Indonesian Air Force]] Skyhawks were used for counterinsurgency strikes in [[Indonesian occupation of East Timor|East Timor]]. [[Kuwait Air Force|Kuwaiti Air Force]] Skyhawks saw action during [[Gulf War|Operation Desert Storm]]. In 2022, nearly seven decades after the aircraft's first flight in 1954, a number of Skyhawks<ref name="auto">{{cite web|last1=John|first1=Golan|title=Heinemann's Hot Rod|url=http://www.historynet.com/heinemanns-hot-rod.htm|website=history dot org|date=3 March 2017|publisher=World History Group|access-date=28 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828192526/http://www.historynet.com/heinemanns-hot-rod.htm|archive-date=28 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> remained in service with the [[Argentine Air Force]] and the [[Brazilian Naval Aviation]].<ref name="World Air Forces 2022">{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=83735 |url-status=live |title=World Air Forces 2022 |work=FlightGlobal |page=12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401211338/https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=83735 |archive-date=1 April 2022}}</ref>

==Design and development==
The Skyhawk was designed by Douglas Aircraft's [[Ed Heinemann]] in response to a [[United States Navy]] call for a jet-powered attack aircraft to replace the [[piston engine|piston-powered]] [[Douglas A-1 Skyraider|Douglas AD Skyraider]] (later redesignated A-1 Skyraider).<ref>Kilduff 1983, pp. 14–15.</ref> Heinemann opted for a design that would minimize its size, weight, and complexity. The result was an aircraft that weighed only half of the Navy's weight specification.<ref>Wilson 1993, p.&nbsp;135.</ref> It had a wing so compact that it did not need to be folded for carrier stowage. The first 500 production examples cost an average of {{USD|860000|1954|about=yes|long=no|round=-3}} each, less than the Navy's $1 million maximum.<ref name="auto"/> The diminutive Skyhawk soon received the [[nickname]]s "Scooter", "Kiddiecar", "Bantam Bomber", "Tinker Toy Bomber", and, on account of its speed and nimble performance, "Heinemann's Hot-Rod".<ref name="Proceedings">O'Rourke, G.G. "Of Hosenoses, Stoofs, and Lefthanded Spads." ''[[United States Naval Institute#Publications and products|United States Naval Institute Proceedings]]'', July 1968.</ref> The XA4D-1 prototype set a world speed record of 695.163&nbsp;mph on 15 October 1955.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |last1=Golan |first1=John |title=Heinemann's Hotrod |url=http://www.historynet.com/heinemanns-hot-rod.htm |website=history dot net |date=3 March 2017 |publisher=World History Group |access-date=28 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828192526/http://www.historynet.com/heinemanns-hot-rod.htm |archive-date=28 August 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:XA4D-1 137812 NAN9-54.jpg|thumb|The XA4D-1 prototype in 1954]]
The aircraft is of conventional post-World War II design, with a low-mounted [[delta wing]], [[tricycle undercarriage]], and a single [[turbojet]] engine in the rear fuselage, with two air intakes on the fuselage sides. The tail is of [[cruciform tail|cruciform design]], with the horizontal stabilizer mounted above the fuselage. Armament consisted of two 20&nbsp;mm (.79&nbsp;in caliber) [[Colt Mk 12 cannon|Colt Mark 12 cannon]]s, one in each wing root, with 100 rounds per gun (the A-4M Skyhawk II and types based on the A-4M have 200 rounds per gun), plus a large variety of bombs, rockets, and missiles carried on a hardpoint under the fuselage centerline and hardpoints under each wing (originally one per wing, later two).<ref>[http://a4skyhawk.org/content/technical-data "Technical Data."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814064746/http://a4skyhawk.org/content/technical-data |date=14 August 2014}} ''a4skyhawk.org''. Retrieved: 21 November 2015.</ref>

[[File:Douglas A4D-1 Skyhawk in flight, circa in late 1954 (80-G-658808).jpg|thumb|left|The second production A4D-1]]
The short-span delta wing did not require the complexity of wingtip folding, saving an estimated {{convert|200|lb|kg}}. Its spars were machined from a single forging that spanned across both wingtips.<ref name="auto1"/><ref>Heinemann and Every 1985, pp. 35–36.</ref> The [[leading edge slats]] were designed to drop automatically at the appropriate speed by gravity and air pressure, saving weight and space by omitting actuation motors and switches. Similarly, the main undercarriage did not penetrate the main wing spar, designed so that when retracted only the wheel itself was inside the wing and the undercarriage struts were housed in a fairing below the wing. Thus, the wing structure was lighter with the same overall strength. The rudder was constructed of a single panel reinforced with external ribs.<ref>Gunston, Spick, and Miller 1983, p. 118.</ref>

[[File:J65 engine of A4D Skyhawk at MCAS Iwakuni 1959.jpg|thumb|A4D Skyhawk with the rear fuselage removed and an engine being slid into place, [[Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni]], Japan, 1959]]
The aircraft's [[turbojet]] engine was accessed for service or replacement by removing the aft section of the fuselage and sliding out the engine. This obviated the need for access doors with their hinges and latches further reducing weight and complexity. This is the opposite of what can often happen in aircraft design where a small weight increase in one area leads to a compounding increase in weight in other areas to compensate, creating a demand for more powerful, heavier engines, larger wing and [[empennage]] area, and so on in a vicious circle.<ref name=airvictory>[http://www.airvictorymuseum.org/html/displays.html "Skyhawk."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404101910/http://www.airvictorymuseum.org/html/displays.html |date=4 April 2013}} ''Air Victory Museum''. Retrieved: 1 October 2012.</ref><ref name=museumofflight>[http://www.museumofflight.org/aircraft/douglas-4f-skyhawk-ii "Douglas A-4F Skyhawk II."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312060722/http://www.museumofflight.org/aircraft/douglas-4f-skyhawk-ii |date=12 March 2011}} ''Museum of Flight''. Retrieved: 1 October 2012.</ref><ref name=NAM>[http://broadcast.illuminatedtech.com/display/story.cfm?bp=109&sid=8088 "Collections - Aircraft - Skyhawk (A4D/A-4/TA-4)."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012223559/http://broadcast.illuminatedtech.com/display/story.cfm?bp=109&sid=8088 |date=12 October 2007}} ''National Museum of Naval Aviation''. Retrieved: 31 October 2007.</ref>

The A-4 pioneered the concept of [[Aerial refueling#Buddy store|"buddy" air-to-air refueling]]. This allows the aircraft to supply others of the same type, reducing the need for dedicated tanker aircraft—a particular advantage for small air arms or when operating in remote locations. This allows for greatly improved operational flexibility and reassurance against the loss or malfunction of tanker aircraft, though this procedure reduces the effective combat force on board the carrier.

[[File:A4D-2 Skyhawk of VA-83 refuels F8U-1P Crusader of VFP-62, circa 1961 (6418322).jpg|thumb|left|An A4D-2 (A-4B) refueling a [[Vought F-8 Crusader|F8U-1P (RF-8A)]] ]]
A designated supply A-4 would mount a center-mounted "buddy store", a large external fuel tank with a hose reel in the aft section and an extensible drogue refueling bucket. This aircraft was fueled up without armament and launched first. Attack aircraft were armed to the maximum and were given as much fuel as was allowable by maximum takeoff weight limits, which was far less than a full tank.  It was SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) to launch one Skyhawk as a tanker per launch-recovery cycle. In combat, 2-3 Skyhawk tankers were launched, especially if several groups of aircraft were attacking a heavily defended target.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Technical Data {{!}} The Skyhawk Association |url=https://skyhawk.org/article/-technical-data |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=skyhawk.org}}</ref>

Once airborne, they topped off their fuel tanks from the tanker using the A-4's fixed refueling probe on the starboard side of the aircraft nose. They could then sortie with both full armament and fuel loads. The A-4 was rarely used for refueling in U.S. service after the [[Douglas A-3 Skywarrior|KA-3 Skywarrior]] tanker became available aboard the larger carriers.

The A-4 was also designed to be able to make an emergency landing, in the event of a hydraulic failure, on the two drop tanks nearly always carried by these aircraft. Such landings resulted in only minor damage to the nose of the aircraft which could be repaired in less than an hour.

[[File:A-4E VA-44 nuclear cockpit shield NAN8-73.jpg|thumb|upright|Thermal cockpit shield for nuclear weapons delivery]]
The Navy issued a contract for the type on 12 June 1952,<ref name="Gann p99">Gann ''Wings of Fame'' No. 4, p. 99.</ref> and the first prototype first flew from [[Edwards Air Force Base]], [[California]] on 22 June 1954.<ref name="Elward p25">Elward 2000, p. 25.</ref> Deliveries to Navy ([[VA-72 (U.S. Navy)|VA-72]]) and Marine Corps ([[VMFA(AW)-224|VMA-224]]) squadrons commenced in late 1956.<ref name="Gann p103">Gann ''Wings of Fame'' No. 4, p. 103.</ref>

The Skyhawk remained in production until 1979, with 2,960 aircraft built, including 555 two-seat [[trainer (aircraft)|trainers]].<ref name="Gann p100">Gann ''Wings of Fame'' No. 4, p. 100.</ref> The last production A-4, an A-4M of Marine squadron [[VMA-331]] had the flags of all nations that operated the A-4 painted on its fuselage sides.

==Operational history==

===United States===
The Skyhawk proved to be a relatively common United States Navy aircraft export. Due to its small size, it could be operated from older, smaller World War II-era aircraft carriers still used by smaller navies during the 1960s. These older ships were often unable to accommodate newer Navy fighters such as the [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|F-4 Phantom II]] and [[Vought F-8 Crusader|F-8 Crusader]], which were faster and more capable than the A-4, but significantly larger and heavier.

[[File:Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk aboard USS Lexington (AVT-16), 1 April 1989 (6445251).jpg|thumb|left|A U.S. Navy TA-4J Skyhawk of TW-3 on the deck of {{USS|Lexington|CV-16|6}}, 1989]]
The Navy operated the A-4 in both Regular Navy and [[United States Navy Reserve|Naval Reserve]] light attack squadrons (VA). Although the A-4's use as a training and adversary aircraft would continue well into the 1990s, the Navy began removing the aircraft from its frontline attack squadrons in 1967, with the last ones (Super Foxes of VA-55/212/164) being retired in 1976.

The Marine Corps would not take the U.S. Navy's replacement, the [[LTV A-7 Corsair II]], instead keeping Skyhawks in service with both Regular Marine Corps and [[Marine Corps Reserve]] attack squadrons (VMA), and ordering the new A-4M model. The last USMC Skyhawk was delivered in 1979, and they were used until the mid-1980s before they were replaced by the equally small, but more versatile [[STOVL]] [[AV-8 Harrier II]].<ref>[https://fas.org/programs/ssp/man/uswpns/air/attack/av8b_harrier.html "AV-8B Harrier."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804162129/https://fas.org/programs/ssp/man/uswpns/air/attack/av8b_harrier.html |date=4 August 2011}} ''Military Analysis Network'' (Federation of American Scientists). Retrieved: 11 June 2011.</ref>

[[VMA-131]], Marine Aircraft Group 49 (the Diamondbacks) retired its last four OA-4Ms on 22 June 1994. VMA-124, Marine Air Group 42 also retired the last of their A-4s in mid 1994. Trainer versions of the Skyhawk remained in Navy service, however, finding a new lease on life with the advent of "adversary training", where the nimble A-4 was used as a stand-in for the [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17]] in [[dissimilar air combat training]] (DACT). It served in that role at ''[[United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program#Fighter Weapons School|TOPGUN]]'' until 1999.

[[File:Douglas A-4F 154983 '1' BA Pensac 04.08.75 edited-2.jpg|thumb|A-4F Skyhawk of the ''Blue Angels'' U.S. Navy aerobatic team in 1975]]
The A-4's nimble performance also made it suitable to replace the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II when the Navy downsized its aircraft for the [[Blue Angels]] demonstration team, until [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet]]s were available in the 1980s. The last U.S. Navy Skyhawks, TA-4J models belonging to the composite squadron VC-8, remained in military use for target towing, and as adversary aircraft, for combat training at [[Naval Station Roosevelt Roads]]. These aircraft were officially retired on 3 May 2003.

Skyhawks were well loved by their crews for being tough and agile. These attributes, along with their low purchase and operating cost as well as easy maintenance, have contributed to the popularity of the A-4 with American and international armed forces. Besides the U.S., at least four other nations have used Skyhawks in combat (Argentina, Indonesia, Israel, and Kuwait).

====Vietnam War era====
[[File:A-4C Skyhawks of VA-146 fly past USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) in the South China Sea on 12 August 1964 (USN 1107965).jpg|thumb|VA-146 A-4Cs over the Gulf of Tonkin in August 1964; {{USS|Kearsarge|CV-33|6}} steams below]]
Skyhawks were the U.S. Navy's primary light attack aircraft used over North Vietnam during the early years of the [[Vietnam War]], later supplanted by the [[LTV A-7 Corsair II|A-7 Corsair II]] in the U.S. Navy light attack role. Skyhawks carried out some of the [[Operation Pierce Arrow|first air strikes by the U.S. during the conflict]], and a Marine Skyhawk is believed to have dropped the last American bombs on the country.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} Notable naval aviators who flew the Skyhawk included [[Lieutenant Commander]]s [[Everett Alvarez, Jr.]] and [[John McCain]], and [[Commander]] [[James Stockdale]]. On 1 May 1967, an A-4C Skyhawk piloted by Lieutenant Commander Theodore R. Swartz of [[VA-76 (U.S. Navy)|VA-76]] aboard the carrier {{USS|Bon Homme Richard|CV-31|6}}, shot down a North Vietnamese Air Force MiG-17 with an unguided [[Zuni (rocket)|Zuni rocket]], serving as the Skyhawk's only air-to-air victory of the Vietnam War.<ref name="Grossnick">Grossnick and Armstrong 1997</ref><ref>McCarthy 2009, p. 62.</ref>

From 1956 onwards, Navy Skyhawks were the first aircraft to be deployed outside of the U.S. armed with the AIM-9 Sidewinder.<ref>[http://www.history.navy.mil/download/va-42-52.pdf "VA 42, p. 15."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325190139/http://www.history.navy.mil/download/va-42-52.pdf |date=25 March 2007}} ''history.navy.mil''. Retrieved: 13 September 2009.</ref> On strike missions, the Skyhawk's normal role, air-to-air armaments were used for self-defense. In the early to mid-1960s, standard U.S. Navy A-4B Skyhawk squadrons were assigned to provide fighter protection for [[anti-submarine warfare]] aircraft operating from some [[Essex-class aircraft carrier#Evolution of the air wing|''Essex''-class]] anti-submarine warfare carriers; these aircraft retained their ground- and sea-attack capabilities. The A-4B lacked an air-to-air radar, and it required visual identification of targets and guidance from either ships or an airborne [[Grumman E-1 Tracer]] AEW aircraft.

Lightweight and safer to land on smaller decks, Skyhawks would later also play a similar role flying from Australian, Argentinean, and Brazilian upgraded World War II surplus light ASW carriers, which were unable to operate most large modern fighters.<ref>[http://a4skyhawk.org/3e/va93/va93.htm "VA-93 Blue Blazers: Events 15 October 1963."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516024904/http://a4skyhawk.org/3e/va93/va93.htm |date=16 May 2015}} ''skyhawk.org''. Retrieved: 1 October 2012.</ref><ref>[http://navysite.de/cv/cv20.htm "USS Bennington (CV-20)."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116190601/http://navysite.de/cv/cv20.htm |date=16 January 2013}} ''Navysite''. Retrieved: 1 October 2012.</ref> Primary air-to-air armament consisted of the internal 20&nbsp;mm (.79&nbsp;in) Colt cannons and ability to carry an [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] missile on both underwing hardpoints, later additions of two more underwing hardpoints on some aircraft made for a total capacity of four AAMs.

[[File:A-4E attacking train in North Vietnam c1965.jpeg|thumb|left|A U.S. Navy A-4E attacking a train in [[North Vietnam]] with a ''Zuni'' rocket.]]
The first combat loss of an A-4 occurred on 5 August 1964, when [[Lieutenant junior grade]] [[Everett Alvarez, Jr.|Everett Alvarez]], of [[VA-144 (U.S. Navy)|VA-144]] aboard {{USS|Constellation|CV-64|6}}, was shot down while attacking enemy torpedo boats in [[North Vietnam]]. Alvarez safely ejected after being hit by anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) fire, and became the first U.S. Naval POW of the war.<ref name="Dorr p34-6">Dorr and Bishop 1996, pp. 34, 36.</ref> He was released as a POW on 12 February 1973. The last A-4 loss in the Vietnam War occurred on 26 September 1972, when USMC pilot [[Captain (land)|Captain]] James P. Walsh, USMC of [[VMA-211]], flying close air support from [[Bien Hoa Air Base]], [[South Vietnam]], was hit by ground fire during the [[Battle of An Lộc]]. Captain Walsh ejected safely and was the last U.S. Marine to be taken prisoner during the war. He was released as a POW on 12 February 1973.

Although the first A-4Es were flown in Vietnam in early 1965, the A-4Cs continued to be used until late 1970. On 1 June 1965, the [[Chu Lai Air Base|Chu Lai Short Airfield for Tactical Support]] (SATS) was officially opened with the arrival of eight Skyhawks from [[Naval Air Station Cubi Point|Cubi Point]], Philippine Islands.<ref>[http://a4skyhawk.org/2d/skyhawk-casualty.htm "USN / USMC A-4 Skyhawk Aviators Killed In Action, Missing In Action, Operational Losses, Prisoners Of War, Wounded In Action, Combat Recoveries and Operations Recoveries - 1954 to 1991."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013033728/http://a4skyhawk.org/2d/skyhawk-casualty.htm |date=13 October 2010}} ''a4skyhawk.org'', 5 July 2010. Retrieved: 23 November 2010.</ref> The group landed with the aid of arresting cables, refueled and took off with the aid of [[JATO]], with fuel and bombs to support Marine combat units. The Skyhawks were from Marine Attack Squadron [[VMA-225]] and [[VMA-311]].<ref>''Naval Review'' 1968, p. 13.</ref>

[[Lieutenant commander]] [[Michael J. Estocin]] of [[Attack Squadron 192]] was posthumously awarded the [[Medal of Honor]] for his actions while flying [[surface-to-air missile]] (SAM) suppression during coordinated strikes against targets in [[Haiphong]], [[North Vietnam]], on 20 April and 26 April 1967.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/michael-j-estocin |title=Michael John Estocin |publisher=Congressional Medal of Honor Society |access-date=14 December 2022}}</ref>

[[File:A-4F VA-55 CVA-19 1972.JPEG|thumb|Armed A-4Fs on {{USS|Hancock|CV-19|6}}, 1972]]
On 29 July 1967, the aircraft carrier {{USS|Forrestal|CV-59|6}} was conducting combat operations in the [[Gulf of Tonkin]] during the [[Vietnam War]]. A [[Zuni (rocket)|Zuni rocket]] misfired, striking an external tank on an A-4. Fuel from the leaking tank caught fire, creating a massive [[conflagration]] that [[1967 USS Forrestal fire|burned for hours]], killing 134 sailors, and injuring 161.

During the conflict, 362 A-4/TA-4F Skyhawks were lost due to all causes. The U.S. Navy lost 271 A-4s, the U.S. Marine Corps lost 81 A-4s and 10 TA-4Fs. A total of 32 A-4s were lost to surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), and one A-4 was lost in aerial combat to a MiG-17 on 25 April 1967.<ref>Hobson 2001, pp. 269–270.</ref>

====Training and adversary role====
The Skyhawk, in the two-seat TA-4J configuration, was introduced to a training role replacing the [[Grumman F-9 Cougar|TF-9J Cougar]].<ref name="Winchester 2056">Winchester 2004, pp. 205-206.</ref> The TA-4J served as the advanced jet trainer in white and orange markings for decades until being replaced by the [[McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk|T-45 Goshawk]]. Additional TA-4Js were assigned to Instrument Training [[Fleet Replacement Squadron|RAG]]s at all the Navy master jet bases under RCVW-12 and RCVW-4. The Instrument RAGs initially provided jet transition training for Naval Aviators during the time period when Naval Aviation still had a great number of propeller-driven aircraft and also provided annual instrument training and check rides for [[Naval Aviator]]s. The assigned TA-4J models were installed with collapsible hoods so the aviator under training had to demonstrate instrument flying skills without any outside reference. These units were [[VF-126]] at [[NAS Miramar]], California; [[VFA-127|VA-127]] (later VFA-127; NAS FALLON, NV) at NAS Lemoore, California; [[VF-43]] at [[NAS Oceana]], Virginia; and [[VF-45 (1963-96)|VA-45 (later VF-45)]] at [[NAS Cecil Field]], Florida until its later move to [[NAS Key West]], Florida.

[[File:A-4Fs VFC-13 1993.JPEG|thumb|VFC-13 adversary A-4Fs at NAS Fallon, 1993]]
Additional single-seat Skyhawks were also assigned to composite squadrons (VC) worldwide to provide training and other services to deployed units. These included VC-1 at [[Kalaeloa Airport|NAS Barbers Point]], Hawaii; VC-7 at [[Marine Corps Air Station Miramar#Naval Air Station|NAS Miramar]], California; VC-5 at [[Naval Air Station Cubi Point|NAS Cubi Point]], [[Philippines]]; VC-8 at [[NS Roosevelt Roads]], Puerto Rico; VC-10 at [[Guantanamo Bay Naval Base|NAVBASE Guantánamo Bay]], [[Cuba]], and Naval Reserve squadrons VC-12 (later VFC-12) at [[Naval Air Station Oceana|NAS Oceana]], Virginia and VC-13 (later VFC-13) at NAS Miramar, California until its later move to [[NAS Fallon]], Nevada.

With renewed emphasis on Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) training brought on with the establishment of the [[Navy Fighter Weapons School]] (''[[TOPGUN]]'') in 1969, the availability of Skyhawks in both the Instrument RAGs and Composite Squadrons at the master jet bases presented a ready resource of the nimble Skyhawks that had become the TOPGUN preferred surrogate for the MiG-17. At the time, the F-4 Phantom was just beginning to be exploited to its full potential as a fighter and had not performed as well as expected against the smaller North Vietnamese MiG-17 and [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]] opponents. TOPGUN introduced the notion of [[dissimilar air combat training]] (DACT) using modified A-4E/Fs. Modified aircraft, called "Mongoose", lost the dorsal hump, the 20&nbsp;mm cannon with their ammo systems, and the external stores, although sometimes the centerline station was kept. The slats were fixed.<ref>[http://a4skyhawk.org/content/skyhawk-mongoose-and-super-fox-0 "Skyhawk Mongoose and Super Fox."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208133324/http://a4skyhawk.org/content/skyhawk-mongoose-and-super-fox-0 |date=8 December 2015}} ''http://a4skyhawk.org'' {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001122234/http://a4skyhawk.org/ |date=1 October 2010}}. Retrieved: 27 November 2015.</ref>

The small size of the Skyhawk and superb low speed handling in the hands of a well trained aviator made it ideal to teach fleet aviators the finer points of DACT. The squadrons eventually began to display vivid threat type paint schemes signifying their transition into the primary role of Adversary training. To better perform the Adversary role, single-seat A-4E and F models were introduced to the role, but the ultimate adversary Skyhawk was the Super Fox, which was equipped with the uprated J52-P-408 engine. This variant had entered service in 1974 with VA-55/VA-164/VA-212 on the final USS ''Hancock'' cruise and had been the variant that the Blue Angels had selected in 1973.

The surplus of former USMC Skyhawks resulted in A-4M versions being used by both VF-126 and TOPGUN. Even though the A-4 was augmented by the [[Northrop F-5|F-5E]], [[IAI Kfir|F-21 (Kfir)]], [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]], and F/A-18 in the adversary role, the A-4 remained a viable threat surrogate until it was retired by VF-43 in 1993 and shortly thereafter by VFC-12. The last A-4 fleet operators were VC-8, which retired its Skyhawks in 2003.<ref name="Winchester 2112">Winchester 2004, pp. 211-212.</ref>

The A-4M was also operated by the Operations Maintenance Detachment (OMD) in an adversary role based at [[NAS Dallas]], Texas for the Naval Air Reserve. Many of the aviators that flew the four jets were attached to NAS Dallas, including the Commanding Officer of the air station. The aircraft were instrumental in training and development of ACM for Naval Air Reserve fighter squadrons VF-201 and VF-202 flying the F-4 Phantom II and later the [[Grumman F-14 Tomcat]]. The unit also completed several missions involving target towing to NAS Key West, Florida; [[NAS Kingsville]], Texas, and deployments to NAS Miramar, California and NAS Fallon, Nevada for adversary support. The detachment was under the operational command of the Commander Fleet Logistics Support Wing (CFLSW), also based at NAS Dallas.

===Israel===
[[File:IAF A-4.jpg|thumb|An IAF TA-4H takeoff. Note the extended tailpipe.]]

Israel was the largest export customer for the Skyhawk.<ref name="Winchester 1478">Winchester 2004, pp. 147-148.</ref> The first Israeli request for the type was issued in 1964; it would not be until February 1966 that the U.S. agreed to supply Skyhawks under certain conditions.<ref name="Winchester 148">Winchester 2004, p. 148.</ref> The U.S. gradually provided numerous conventional munitions to arm the aircraft with, but was initially limited, refusing to  supply [[cluster bomb]]s or [[napalm]].<ref name="Winchester 185">Winchester 2004, p. 185.</ref> The Skyhawk became the first U.S. warplane to be offered to the [[Israeli Air Force]] (IAF), marking the point where the U.S took over France as Israel's chief military supplier. Deliveries began after the Six-Day War, and A-4s soon formed the backbone of the IAF's ground-attack force. In IAF service, the Skyhawk was named as the ''Ayit'' ({{langx|he|עיט}} for [[Eagle]]).<ref>[http://www.iaf.org.il/4968-33556-en/IAF.aspx "Squadrons: Units: The Flying Tiger."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113235638/http://www.iaf.org.il/4968-33556-en/IAF.aspx |date=13 November 2011}} ''[[Israeli Air Force]]''. Retrieved: 19 January 2012.</ref>

[[File:A-4 chute.jpg|thumb|left|IAF A-4N Skyhawk drogue parachute landing in 2010]]
The aircraft had a relatively low cost, a quarter of what a Phantom II cost, while carrying half of its payload. Israel purchased 217 A-4s, plus another 46 that were transferred from U.S. units in [[Operation Nickel Grass]] to compensate for large losses during the Yom Kippur War.<ref name="a4skyhawk.org">[http://a4skyhawk.org/2e/israel/israel.htm "Israel Defense Forces (IDF)."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622113412/http://a4skyhawk.org/2e/israel/israel.htm |date=22 June 2012}} ''a4skyhawk.org''. Retrieved: 30 September 2012.</ref><ref name="Winchester 154">Winchester 2004, p. 154.</ref> The first deliveries took place in December 1967.<ref name="Winchester 1489">Winchester 2004, pp. 148-149.</ref> Skyhawks promptly began to replace [[Dassault Ouragan]] and [[Dassault Mystère IV]] in IAF service, providing greater speed, range, and lift capacity in comparison to these older types. The first combat mission took place on 15 February 1968, attacking artillery and military bases along the border with [[Jordan]].<ref name="Winchester 14950">Winchester 2004, pp. 149-150.</ref>

In the late 1960s and 1970s, IAF Skyhawks were the primary ground attack aircraft in the [[War of Attrition]] and the [[Yom Kippur War]].<ref name="Winchester 1523">Winchester 2004, pp. 152-153.</ref> During July 1969, in response to Egyptian shelling of Israeli positions in the [[Sinai Peninsula]], air strikes were conducted against Egyptian missile sites.<ref name="Winchester 1823">Winchester 2004, pp. 182-183.</ref> On 6 February 1970, Skyhawks attacked the Egyptian port of [[Gardaka]], sinking a [[minelayer]] as a result. Furthermore, skirmishes between IAF Skyhawks and Arab aircraft of various sorts frequently occurred.<ref name="Winchester 183">Winchester 2004, p. 183.</ref> In May 1970, an Israeli Skyhawk piloted by Col. [[Ezra Dotan]] shot down two MiG-17s over south Lebanon (one with unguided rockets, the other with 30&nbsp;mm cannon fire) even though the Skyhawk's head-up display had no "air-to-air mode".<ref>[http://www.iaf.org.il/2540-30115-en/IAF.aspx "Skyhawk."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011113317/http://www.iaf.org.il/2540-30115-en/IAF.aspx |date=11 October 2013}} ''Israeli Air Force''. Retrieved: 27 November 2015.</ref><ref name="Winchester 1835">Winchester 2004, pp. 183-185.</ref> However, up to three Skyhawks were downed by Egyptian MiG-21s, plus two were downed by Soviet-piloted MiG-21s during the War of Attrition.<ref name="acig.info"/><ref>Gordon, Yefim. "MiG-21" (''Russian Fighters''). Earl Shilton, Leicester, UK: Midland Publishing Ltd., 2008.</ref>

[[File:McDonnell Douglas A-4F Skyhawk Ayit F (468970264).jpg|thumb|An Israeli Air Force A-4H Skyhawk on display]]
During the Yom Kippur War, IAF Skyhawks carried out numerous bombing missions, flying a considerable proportion of the tactical sorties made throughout the conflict.<ref name="Winchester 1856">Winchester 2004, pp. 185-186.</ref> The vast majority of losses incurred were from [[surface to air missile]]s (SAMs); as many of 30 IAF aircraft were lost in a single day while resisting Egyptian and Syrian advances.<ref name="Winchester 186">Winchester 2004, p. 186.</ref> To counter the radar-guided SAM threat, the Skyhawk's [[air brake (aeronautics)|air brakes]] were used as improvised [[Chaff (countermeasure)|chaff]] dispensers. Improvements in tactics, such as the adoption of toss-bombing attacks, were also adopted in the latter part of the conflict.<ref name="Winchester 187">Winchester 2004, p. 187.</ref> ACIG.org claims that at least nine Skyhawks were downed by [[MiG-21]] and [[MiG-17]] fighters during the Yom Kippur War.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_272.shtml|title=Syrian Air-to-Air Victories since 1948|website=acig.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710030823/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_272.shtml|archive-date=10 July 2013|url-status=usurped|date=25 September 2003}}</ref><ref name="acig.info">Peeters, Sander. [http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=185&Itemid=47 "Egyptian Air-to-Air Victories since 1948."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054810/http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=185&Itemid=47 |date=21 September 2013}} ''acig.org''. Retrieved: 21 November 2015.</ref><ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20130805052018/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_404.shtml "Iraqi Air-to-Air Victories since 1967."]}} ''acig.org''. Retrieved: 21 November 2015.</ref> Formal Israeli sources claim only five IAF aircraft of any type were shot down in air-to-air duels.<ref>[http://www.iaf.org.il/43-he/IAF.aspx "Downings."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221020451/http://www.iaf.org.il/43-HE/IAF.aspx |date=21 December 2013}} ''Israeli Air Force''. Retrieved: 28 December 2013.</ref>

A special version of the A-4 was developed for the IAF, the A-4H. This was an A-4E which featured improved avionics and the improved thrust [[Pratt & Whitney J52|J52-P-8A]] engine. Armament consisted of twin DEFA 30&nbsp;mm cannon in place of the Colt Mk.12 20&nbsp;mm cannons. Later modifications included the avionics hump and an extended tailpipe. The extended tailpipe gave greater protection against heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles.<ref name="Winchester 18990">Winchester 2004, pp. 189-190.</ref> A total of 90 A-4Hs were delivered.<ref name="a4skyhawk.org" /> In early 1973, the improved A-4N Skyhawk for Israel entered service, based on the A-4M models used by the U.S. Marine Corps. The different model Skyhawks carried out bombing missions in the Yom Kippur War, and a considerable proportion of the tactical sorties. They also attacked in Operation Peace for the Galilee, and one of them shot down a Syrian MiG-17.

[[File:Skyhawk israel older efi E.jpg|thumb|IAF A-4Ns awaiting disposal in 2009 following their retirement]]
The IAF also operated two-seat models, for operations as well as advanced training and retraining. The first training models arrived in 1967, with the first batch of Skyhawks. During the Yom Kippur War, the Skyhawk order of battle was reinforced with TA-4F and TA-4J models.<ref name="a4skyhawk.org" /> In January 2003, the IAF selected [[RADA Electronic Industries|RADA Electronic Industries Ltd.]] to upgrade its A-4 trainer fleet with weapon delivery, navigation and training systems.<ref name="Winchester 158">Winchester 2004, p. 158.</ref> Integration of a multifunction and Head-up Display produced an advanced Lead in fighter trainer for the IAF's future fighter pilots.{{citation needed|date=August 2011}}

According to acig.org, Syria claimed that two Israeli Skyhawks were downed by Syrian [[MiG-23]]s over northern Lebanon on 26 April 1981.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120714055028/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_273.shtml "Two MiG-23MS, which were on low orbit over northern Lebanon, were vectored to intercept, and they were successful in shooting two A-4 Skyhawks down."]}} ''acig.org''. Retrieved: 21 November 2015.</ref> However, official IAF statistics do not list any downing of Israeli warplanes since the Yom Kippur War,<ref>[url=http://www.iaf.org.il/43-he/IAF.aspx {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221020451/http://www.iaf.org.il/43-HE/IAF.aspx |date=21 December 2013}} "Downings."] ''Israeli Air Force''. Retrieved: 25 November 2015.</ref> and no loss of aircraft was reported on that date.

During the [[1982 Lebanon War]], an Israeli A-4 piloted by Aharon Achiaz was shot down over Lebanon by a SA-7 on 6 June 1982.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykNSpx1w9lA "Israel vs. the PLO: The Invasion of Lebanon 1982, Part 2."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151229114135/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykNSpx1w9lA |date=29 December 2015}} YouTube.com. Retrieved: 31 August 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.waronline.org/IDF/Articles/lebanon-losses.htm "Lebanon Losses."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415191548/http://www.waronline.org/IDF/Articles/lebanon-losses.htm |date=15 April 2016}} ''waronline.org''. Retrieved: 31 August 2010.</ref><ref name="Tetro">Tetro, Nicholas B. [http://www.skywar.ru/Lebanon.html "Press reports of the capture of Zachary Baumel, Yehuda Katz, and Zvi Feldman."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113181536/http://www.skywar.ru/Lebanon.html |date=13 January 2010}} ''skywar.ru''. Retrieved: 31 August 2010.</ref> Israel reported this was one of its only two fixed-wing aircraft shot down over the [[Beqaa Valley]] during air battles spanning from 6 June 1982 to 11 June 1982 where 150 aircraft took part, including the battle on 9 June 1982 known as [[Operation Mole Cricket 19]].<ref name="Tetro"/>

In October 2008, it was decided that, due to maintenance issues, the Skyhawk fleet would be withdrawn and replaced by more modern aircraft, able to perform equally well in the training role and, if required, close support and interdiction missions on the battlefield.<ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Israels-Skyhawk-Scandal-05105/ "Israel’s Skyhawk Scandal Leads to End of an Era."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420005519/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Israels-Skyhawk-Scandal-05105/ |date=20 April 2009}} ''Defense Industry Daily''. Retrieved: 30 March 2010.</ref> Some of Israel's A-4s were later exported to [[Indonesia]]. The Skyhawks have been replaced by F-16s in combat roles but are still used for pilot training. All the remaining A-4s were to be fully phased out beginning by 2014 as the IAF accepts delivery of [[Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master]] jets.<ref>Egozi, Arie. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-selects-alenia-aermacchi-m-346-for-trainer-deal-368392/ "Israel selects Alenia Aermacchi M-346 for trainer deal."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219020259/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-selects-alenia-aermacchi-m-346-for-trainer-deal-368392/ |date=19 February 2012}} ''[[Flightglobal.com]]''. Retrieved: 17 February 2012.</ref><ref name="JPost">Katz, Yaakov. [https://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=258135 "Italy wins IAF with combat trainer jet bid."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217104842/http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=258135 |date=17 February 2012}} ''Jerusalem Post''. Retrieved: 16 February 2012.</ref> Skyhawks were last used in combat operations in the Israeli air force in 2012, when they dropped [[Airborne leaflet propaganda|leaflets]] over Gaza.<ref>[http://theaviationist.com/2012/11/15/ta-4j/ "Israeli Air Force using combat trainers to drop leaflets over Gaza."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217094236/http://theaviationist.com/2012/11/15/ta-4j/ |date=17 February 2013}} ''theaviationist.com''. Retrieved: 3 February 2013.</ref>

In July 2013, Israel began a program called ''Teuza'' (boldness) for the purpose of turning some military bases into sales lots for obsolete IDF equipment. Older models that are not suited for Israel's modern high-tech forces will be sold off, or sold for scrap if there are no buyers. Skyhawks are among those being offered.<ref>[http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/sale-or-scrap-israels-military-equipment-disposals.html "Israel's Military Equipment Disposals."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719052731/http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/sale-or-scrap-israels-military-equipment-disposals.html |date=19 July 2013}} ''Armedforces-Int.com'', 16 July 2013. Retrieved: 27 November 2015.</ref><ref name="Winchester 158"/>

On 13 December 2015, all remaining IAF Skyhawks were retired from service. The retirement ceremony took place at [[Hatzerim Airbase|Hatzerim]] IDF base.<ref>Zorani, Salchar. [http://www.iaf.org.il/4428-45751-en/IAF.aspx "Goodbye A-4 Skyhawk"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218030414/http://www.iaf.org.il/4428-45751-en/IAF.aspx |date=18 December 2015}}. ''Israeli Air Force'', 13 December 2015, Retrieved 19 December 2015.</ref>

===Argentina===
{{main|Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk}}

Argentina was the first foreign user of the Skyhawk and had nearly 130 A-4s delivered since 1965.<ref name="Winchester 175"/> The [[Argentine Air Force]] received 25 A-4Bs in 1966 and another 25 in 1970, all refurbished in the United States by Lockheed Service Co. prior to their delivery as ''A-4P'', although they were still locally known as ''A-4B''. They had three weapon pylons and served in the 5th Air Brigade ({{langx|es|V Brigada Aérea|links=no}}). During 1976, 25 A-4Cs were ordered to replace the [[North American F-86 Sabre]]s still in service in the 4th Air Brigade ({{langx|es|IV Brigada Aérea|links=no}}). They were received ''as is'' and refurbished to flight status by Air Force technicians at [[Río Cuarto, Córdoba|Río Cuarto]], Córdoba. The C model had five weapon pylons and could use AIM-9B Sidewinder [[air-to-air missile]]s.{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}

[[File:3-A302 Restaurado por el Museo de la Aviacion Naval Argentina.JPG|thumb|Argentine Navy A-4Q 0655/3-A-202 in 2007]]
The [[Argentine Naval Aviation]] also bought the Skyhawk known as ''A-4Q'' in the form of 16 A-4Bs in 1972, which unlike the Air Force's A-4Ps, were powered by {{convert|8400|lbf|kN|-1|abbr=on}} J-65-W-20 engines and fitted to use Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. They were received in 1972 to be used mainly from the aircraft carrier [[ARA Veinticinco de Mayo (V-2)|ARA ''Veinticinco de Mayo'']] by the 3rd Fighter/Attack Squadron ({{langx|es|3ra Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque|links=no}}).<ref name="Gann pt 2 p134">Gann ''Wings of Fame'' No. 5, p1. 134.</ref><ref name="Elward p157">Elward 2000, p. 157.</ref> The first combat use of Argentina's Skyhawks took place amid a military revolt during December 1975, performing a single strike against rebels in [[Buenos Aires]].<ref name="Winchester 175"/>

The U.S. placed an embargo of spare parts in 1977 due to the [[Dirty War]],{{cn|date=November 2023}} backing the Humphrey-Kennedy amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1976, the Carter administration placed an embargo on the sale of arms and spare parts to Argentina and on the training of its military personnel (which was lifted in the 1990s under [[Carlos Menem]]'s presidency when Argentina became a [[major non-NATO ally]]).<ref>[http://commdocs.house.gov/committees/intlrel/hfa44953.000/hfa44953_0.htm "Overview of U.S. Policy towards South America and the President's Upcoming Trip to the Region."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609151938/http://commdocs.house.gov/committees/intlrel/hfa44953.000/hfa44953_0.htm |date=9 June 2011}} ''commdocs.house.gov''. Retrieved: 14 March 2010.</ref> Ejection seats did not work and there were many other mechanical faults.<ref>Freed, Kenneth. [https://archive.today/20120713101659/http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1828&dat=19820526&id=CNAhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xZ4FAAAAIBAJ&pg=1465,10774806 "Argentina pilots emerge as heroes in Falklands strife."] ''Los Angeles Times'', 27 May 1982. Retrieved: 14 March 2010.</ref> In spite of this, A-4s were still active during the 1982 [[Falklands War]].

====Falklands War====
{{See also|Argentine air forces in the Falklands War}}
[[File:Argentine A-4C parked during Falklands War 1982.jpeg|thumb|Argentine Air Force A-4C, May 1982]]

During the 1982 [[Falklands War]], Argentina deployed 48 Skyhawks (26 A-4B, 12 A-4C and 10 A-4Q aircraft).<ref name="Chant p.76">Chant 2001, p.76.</ref> Armed with [[gravity bomb|unguided bombs]] and lacking any electronic or missile self-defense, the Skyhawk could not effectively [[dogfight]] with [[Fleet Air Arm]] (FAA) [[British Aerospace Sea Harrier]]s.<ref name="Winchester 1767">Winchester 2004, pp. 176-177.</ref> Despite this, [[Argentine Air Force]] Skyhawks conducted numerous bombing missions against [[Royal Navy]] vessels, sinking the [[Type 42 destroyer]] {{HMS|Coventry|D118|2}} and inflicted a variety of damage on several others: [[Type 21 frigate]] {{HMS|Antelope|F170|2}} (subsequently sunk during attempted disposal of unexploded bombs), [[RFA Sir Galahad (1966)|RFA ''Sir Galahad'']] (subsequently scuttled as a war grave), Type 42 {{HMS|Glasgow|D88|2}}, {{sclass|Leander|frigate|1}} {{HMS|Argonaut|F56|2}}, [[Type 22 frigate]] {{HMS|Broadsword|F88|2}}, and [[RFA Sir Tristram|RFA ''Sir Tristram'']].<ref name="Winchester 17682">Winchester 2004, pp. 176-182.</ref>

[[Argentine Navy]] A-4Qs, flying from [[Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego]] naval air station, also played a role in the bombing attacks against British ships, destroying the Type 21 {{HMS|Ardent|F184|2}}.<ref>Smith, Gordon. [http://www.naval-history.net/F41argaircraft.htm "Argentine Aircraft and Successes against British Ships."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060206043638/http://www.naval-history.net/F41argaircraft.htm |date=6 February 2006}} ''naval-history.net''. Retrieved: 12 August 2008.</ref>

In all, 22 Skyhawks (10 A-4Bs, nine A-4Cs, and three A-4Qs) were lost to all causes in the six-week-long war.<ref name="Elward p158">Elward 2000, p. 158.</ref> These losses included eight to FAA Sea Harriers, seven to ship-launched surface-to-air missiles, four to ground-launched surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft fire (including one to "[[friendly fire]]"), and three to crashes.<ref name="Chant p.76"/><ref name="Winchester 182">Winchester 2004, p. 182.</ref> According to aviation author Jim Winchester, the Skyhawk was the most effective Argentine aircraft of the conflict.<ref name="Winchester 182"/>

==== Postwar ====
[[File:A-4AR Fightinghawk of the Argentinian Air Force (11091968456).jpg|thumb|A-4AR Fightinghawk, 2006]]

After the war, Argentine Air Force A-4Ps and A-4Cs survivors were upgraded under the ''Halcón'' (Spanish for "falcon") program with {{convert|30|mm|abbr=on|1}} [[DEFA cannon]]s, air-to-air missiles, and other minor details, and merged into the 5th Air Brigade. All of these were withdrawn from service in 1999, and they were replaced with 36 of the much-improved [[Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk|Lockheed Martin OA/A-4AR Fightinghawk]] (rebuilt and modernised ex USMC A-4M).<ref name="Winchester 182"/> Several TA-4J and A-4E airframes were also delivered under the A-4AR program, mainly for spare parts use. The A-4AR was in service between the late 1990s and 2016 when the majority of the fleet was grounded for serviceability and age. A small number of airframes remained in service for limited roles.  Three aircraft were lost to accidents.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amg31nelPuM|title = - YouTube|website = [[YouTube]]}}</ref>

In 1983, the United States vetoed the delivery by [[Israel]] of 24 A-4Hs for the Argentine Navy as the A-4Q replacement. The A-4Qs were finally retired in 1988.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.histarmar.com.ar/Armada%20Argentina/AviacionNaval/CB-A4.htm | title=Caza Bombarderos de la Aviación Naval: Douglas A4-Q Skyhawk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029143542/http://www.histarmar.com.ar/Armada%20Argentina/AviacionNaval/CB-A4.htm |archive-date=29 October 2010 | language=es |work=Historia y Arqueologia Marítima |access-date=12 April 2010}}</ref>

===Kuwait===
During November 1974, the Kuwaiti government announced its intention to purchase 36 new-build Skyhawks, along with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, support apparatus, and spares in exchange for $250 million.<ref name="Winchester 142">Winchester 2004, p. 142.</ref> The majority of aircraft were supplied as single-seat A-4KUs while a handful of twin-seat TA-4KUs were also procured. By the end of 1978, all aircraft had been delivered and entered service with the [[Kuwait Air Force|Kuwaiti Air Force]].<ref name="Winchester 1423">Winchester 2004, pp. 142-143.</ref> During 1984, Kuwait reportedly put its Skyhawk fleet up for sale, but none were actually sold around this time.<ref name="Winchester 143">Winchester 2004, p. 143.</ref>

[[File:A-4KUs 13Feb1991.jpg|thumb|left|Kuwaiti A-4KUs on the flight line, 1991]]
In 1991, Kuwaiti Skyhawks participated in [[Gulf War|Operation Desert Storm]]. When Iraq invaded Kuwait, all available Skyhawks conducted attack missions against the advancing Iraqi forces, being operated from deserted roads after their bases were overrun; numerous Iraqi assault helicopters were destroyed by the Skyhawks prior to their withdrawal.<ref name="Winchester 1901">Winchester 2004, pp. 190-191.</ref> As many as five aircraft were captured on the ground by Iraqi forces.<ref name="Winchester 143"/> Twenty-four of the 29 A-4KUs that remained in service with Kuwait escaped to [[Saudi Arabia]]. These Skyhawks (along with escaped [[Dassault Mirage F1]]s) operated as the ''Free Kuwait Air Force'', flying 1,361 sorties during the [[liberation of Kuwait]].<ref name="Elward p164">Elward 2000, p. 164.</ref> Twenty-three A-4s survived the conflict and the Iraqi invasion,<ref name="Gann pt 2 p142">Gann ''Wings of Fame'' No. 5, p. 142.</ref> with only one A-4KU (KAF-828, BuNo. 160207) shot down by Iraqi radar-guided SAM on 17 January 1991.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://a4skyhawk.info/article/kuwait-skyhawks-gulf-war |title=Kuwait Skyhawks in Gulf War - A-4 Skyhawk Association |website=a4skyhawk.info |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428172258/http://a4skyhawk.info/article/kuwait-skyhawks-gulf-war |archive-date=28 April 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Winchester 141">Winchester 2004, p. 141.</ref> The pilot, Mohammed Mubarak, ejected and was taken prisoner.<ref>[http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/project/GufWarPOWs.htm "Gulf War POWs."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228141338/http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/PROJECT/GufWarPOWs.htm |date=28 December 2017}} ''Ejection history''. Retrieved: 30 September 2012.</ref>

During the early 1990s, as Kuwait awaited delivery of more capable [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet]], protracted efforts were made to sell its remaining Skyhawks.<ref name="Winchester 143"/> Assisted by the U.S. State Department, fruitless negotiations took place with both [[Bosnia]] and the [[Philippines]]; in 1998, the fleet was sold to Brazil, where they served aboard the aircraft carrier [[Brazilian aircraft carrier São Paulo (A12)|NAe ''São Paulo'']]<ref name="Winchester 143"/><ref>Baugher, Joe. [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher4/newa4_15.html "Douglas A-4KU/TA-4KU Skyhawk for Kuwait".] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611233052/http://home.att.net/~jbaugher4/newa4_15.html |date=11 June 2009}} ''A-4 Skyhawk'', 6 November 2001. Retrieved: 12 August 2008.</ref> prior to its decommissioning in February 2017.{{citation needed|date=August 2017}}

===Australia===
{{main|McDonnell Douglas A-4G Skyhawk}}

Twenty A-4G Skyhawks were purchased by the [[Royal Australian Navy]] for operation from {{HMAS|Melbourne|R21|6}}. The aircraft were acquired in two batches of 10, in 1967 and 1971, and were primarily used to provide air defence for the fleet. Ten of the A-4Gs were destroyed in accidents, and all the survivors were sold to the [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]] in 1984.<ref name="Winchester 1378">Winchester 2004, pp. 137-138.</ref>

===New Zealand===
{{Main|Douglas A-4 Skyhawk in New Zealand service}}
[[File:A-4K 75 Sqn RNZAF at Clark AB 1982.JPEG|thumb|A RNZAF A-4K in 1982]]
During the 1960s, New Zealand considered various aircraft types, such as the [[Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter]] and the F-4 Phantom II, before choosing to order 14 Skyhawks for the [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]] (RNZAF) under a $23 million deal for the aircraft, spare parts, support, and initial training.<ref name="Winchester 133">Winchester 2004, p. 133.</ref> In 1970, 10 single-seat A-4Ks and 4 TA-4Ks were delivered to the RNZAF, joining [[No. 75 Squadron RNZAF|No. 75 Squadron]]. Various early modifications were made, including the adoption of a cranked aerial refueling probe in place of the straight counterpart initially used.<ref name="Winchester 1334">Winchester 2004, pp. 133-134.</ref> Various overseas deployments, often for [[ANZUS]] exercises, were conducted by the Skyhawk fleet throughout the 1970s and 1980s, often being escorted by up to three C-130 Hercules transport planes (carrying spares, support equipment, and ground crew) and a P-3 Orion to assist in navigation and communication.<ref name="Winchester 134">Winchester 2004, p. 134.</ref>

In 1983, additional Skyhawks were acquired in the form of 8 A-4Gs and 2 TA-4Gs from the [[Royal Australian Navy]] in 1984, which allowed a second Skyhawk-equipped squadron, [[No. 2 Squadron RNZAF|No. 2 Squadron]], to be formed.<ref name="Gann pt 2 p139-0">Gann ''Wings of Fame'' No. 5, pp. 139–140.</ref> During 1986, [[Project Kahu]] was launched to upgrade the RNZAF's Skyhawks with new avionics, including an [[AN/APG-66]] NZ radar based on that used by the [[General Dynamics F-16|F-16]], and weapons, as a lower-cost alternative to buying new replacements.<ref name="Winchester 1378"/> All 10 ex-RAN and the 12 surviving original RNZAF aircraft were converted to the A-4K Kahu standard.<ref name="Elward p169-0">Elward 2000, pp. 169–170.</ref> In addition to its primary duties, the type became heavily involved in training not just for the RNZAF but also RAN, the latter financially contributing to their operating costs through the 1990s as a result.<ref name="Winchester 13840">Winchester 2004, pp. 138-140.</ref>

During 2001, the three Air Combat Force squadrons (Nos. 2, 14, and 75) were disbanded and the Skyhawks put into storage awaiting sale.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aronson |first1=Cathy |title=RAF looks to snap up NZ Skyhawk pilots |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=190031 |access-date=19 July 2017 |date=21 May 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731064756/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=190031 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defence.govt.nz/reports-publications/air-combat/desc-options.html |title=Review of the Options for an Air Combat Capability (February 2001) |publisher=New Zealand Ministry of Defence |access-date=26 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061004153841/http://www.defence.govt.nz/reports-publications/air-combat/desc-options.html |archive-date=4 October 2006}}</ref> They were maintained, with occasional servicing flights, and then moved to [[RNZAF Base Woodbourne]], where they were preserved in protective latex.<ref>Stuart, I "Skyhawk for sale, as is, where is." ''Stuff''(Dominion/Press) 19 April 2011.</ref><ref>"A-4 Skyhawks. Back to the Future 2007-1970." ''TV3 (NZ)'', 12/2007.</ref><ref name="Winchester 1402">Winchester 2004, pp. 140, 142.</ref> [[Draken International]] signed an agreement with the New Zealand government in 2012 to purchase eight A-4Ks and associated equipment for its adversary training services. Six were former RAN A-4G airframes<ref>Simms, D. "The Skyhawks' final resting places." ''Pacific Wings'', October 2013, pp. 18–27.</ref> which as carrier aircraft had logged significantly fewer flying hours.<ref>D. Simms. ''Pacific Wings'', October 2013, p. 22.</ref> These were subsequently relocated to the U.S. at Draken's [[Lakeland Linder International Airport]] facility in [[Lakeland, Florida]].<ref>[http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/draken-international-commercial-air-services/ "Draken International Commercial Air Services."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115052110/http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/draken-international-commercial-air-services/ |date=15 January 2014}} ''Defense Media Network''. Retrieved: 21 November 2015.</ref> The other A-4K aircraft were given to museums in New Zealand and Australia.<ref name=RNZAFShyhawkSale>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/8526152/New-life-for-RNZAF-jets "New life for RNZAF jet."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319221756/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/8526152/New-life-for-RNZAF-jets |date=19 March 2014}} ''The Dominion Post''. Retrieved: 19 March 2014.</ref>

===Indonesia===
[[File:A-4 Skyhawk Patrol TNI-AU.jpg|thumb|Indonesian A-4Es during a patrol]]

Due to the declining relationship between Indonesia and the Soviet Union after the events of [[30 September Movement]] in mid 1960s, there was a lack of [[spare part]]s for military hardware supplied by the [[Eastern Bloc|Communist Bloc]].<ref name="Winchester 144">Winchester 2004, p. 144.</ref> As a consequence, many of the [[Indonesian Air Force]]'s modern combat aircraft, such as its [[Mikoyan|MiG]]s and [[bomber]] fleet consisting of [[Ilyushin Il-28|Il-28 Beagles]] and [[Tupolev Tu-16|Tu-16 Badgers]], were effectively inoperable by the early 1970s, and were subsequently grounded. During May 1978, U.S. vice-president [[Walter Mondale]] offered 16 Skyhawks to Indonesia; during the following year, Indonesia proceeded to acquire Skyhawks via a covert, joint operation with Israel, dubbed [[Operation Alpha (Indonesia)|Operation Alpha]]. The operation was done confidentially because the [[Indonesia–Israel relations|two countries had no official diplomatic relations]].<ref name="Winchester 1445">Winchester 2004, pp. 144-145.</ref> These A-4s were chosen because the IDF were planning to retire its A-4 squadrons. Some of the Israeli-built [[avionics]] were stripped from the aircraft prior to being transferred.<ref name="Winchester 145">Winchester 2004, p. 145.</ref> 

During 1982, an additional 15 Skyhawks were purchased directly from U.S. stocks, undergoing refurbishment prior to delivery under a $27 million deal.<ref name="Winchester 145"/> Several more twin-seat Skyhawks were procured during the 1990s.<ref name="Winchester 175">Winchester 2004, p. 175.</ref> Two squadrons operated the A-4 Skyhawks, the 11th Air Squadron at [[Iswahjudi Air Force Base]] in East Java and 12th Air Squadron at [[Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base]] in Riau.<ref>{{cite magazine |author= win |title= A-4 Skyhawk Indonesia |trans-title= |magazine= Angkasa Edisi Koleksi. Pesawat Kombatan TNI-AU 1946-2011: Dari Legenda Churen Hingga Kedigdayaan Flanker |volume=  |number=72  |date=2011 |publisher= PT Mediarona Dirgantara |language= ID |page=65}}</ref>

[[File:A-4 Skyhawk Air Refuelling TNI-AU.jpg|thumb|Two Indonesian A-4 Skyhawks being refueled by a KC-130B, {{circa|1990s}}]]

A flight of four A-4 Skyhawks were deployed to [[East Timor (province)|East Timor]] for [[Indonesian occupation of East Timor|counter-insurgency operations]] in a six months combat tour between 1985–1986. During the deployment, they were based at [[Baucau Airport]].<ref>Subroto 2005, p. 231.</ref> The Skyhawks were mostly armed with 500 lbs (230 kg) [[Mark 82 bomb]]s.<ref>Subroto 2005, p. 233.</ref> On 2 November 1987, the Indonesian Air Force launched a long-range strike mission against targets in East Timor using the Skyhawks. A flight of five A-4s, each armed with six 500 lbs Mark 82 bombs, two [[Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket|LAU-68]] rocket pods, and two external fuel tanks, departed [[Iswahjudi Air Force Base]] in East Java for two and a half hour flight to East Timor. The flight was supported by a [[Lockheed Martin KC-130|KC-130B Hercules]] for aerial refueling. The five A-4s attacked 30 designated targets in the Eastern Sector near [[Baucau]], and then landed at Baucau Airport.<ref>Subroto 2005, p. 233-234.</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |author= win |title= A-4 Skyhawk Indonesia |trans-title= |magazine= Angkasa Edisi Koleksi. Pesawat Kombatan TNI-AU 1946-2011: Dari Legenda Churen Hingga Kedigdayaan Flanker |volume=  |number=72  |date=2011 |publisher= PT Mediarona Dirgantara |language= ID |page=68-69}}</ref>

By 1999, there were only 19 aircraft left operational, partially due to a lack of spare parts. The arrival of [[Sukhoi Su-27]]s during 2003 quickly led to the withdrawal of the Indonesian Air Force's remaining Skyhawks.<ref name="Winchester 147">Winchester 2004, p. 147.</ref><ref>[http://a4skyhawk.org/2e/israel/israel.htm ""Isrrael."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622113412/http://a4skyhawk.org/2e/israel/israel.htm |date=22 June 2012}} ''a4skyhawk.org''. Retrieved: 21 November 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://a4skyhawk.org/2e/indonesia/indonesia.htm |title=Republic of Indonesia Air Force &#124; A-4 Skyhawk Association |access-date=5 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622101751/http://a4skyhawk.org/2e/indonesia/indonesia.htm |archive-date=22 June 2012}}</ref><ref>[https://indocropcircles.wordpress.com/2013/10/03/operasi-alpha-indonesia-orde-baru/ "Top Secret: "Operasi Alpha"; Sangat Rahasia Era Rezim Orde Baru, Terkuak!"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626182429/https://indocropcircles.wordpress.com/2013/10/03/operasi-alpha-indonesia-orde-baru/ |date=26 June 2015}} ''Indocropcircles.wordpress.com''. Retrieved: 21 November 2015.</ref> On 5 August 2004, three A-4 Skyhawks with tail numbers TT-0431, TT-0440, and TL-0416 from 11th Air Squadron, based at [[Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport|Sultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base]] in [[Makassar]], flew in the skies of Indonesia for the last time with the destination of [[Adisutjipto Airport|Adisutjipto Air Force Base]], [[Yogyakarta]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite tweet |number=1555354478525976576 |user=_TNIAU |title=5 Agustus 2004, tiga Pesawat A-4 Sky Hawk dengan tail number TT-0431, TT-0440, dan TL-0416 dari Skadron Udara 11 Lanud Hasanuddin Makassar terbang mengangkasa di langit Indonesia untuk terakhir kalinya dengan tujuan Lanud Adisutjipto, Yogyakarta. 💂🏻‍♂️ |first=TNI |last=Angkatan Udara |date=5 August 2022 |access-date=8 May 2024 |language=id}}</ref> Today, a sizeable number of the A-4s are preserved as museum pieces, monuments, or [[gate guardian]]s; for example one is displayed in [[Satriamandala Museum|Satria Mandala Military Museum]], and the other in the [[Dirgantara Mandala Museum|Dirgantara Mandala Air Force Museum]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Pesawat A-4 Skyhawk Lengkapi Koleksi Museum Satria Mandala |url=https://tni.mil.id/view-110264-pesawat-a-4-skyhawk-lengkapi-koleksi-museum-satria-mandala.html |website=tni.mil.id |publisher=Tentara Nasional Indonesia |access-date=28 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Museum Pusat TNI Angkatan Udara Dirgantara Mandala |url=https://tni-au.mil.id/portfolio/museum-pusat-tni-angkatan-udara-dirgantara-mandala/ |website=tni-au.mil.id |publisher=Tentara Nasional Indonesia: Angkatan Udara |access-date=28 October 2023}}</ref>

===Malaysia===
In 1982, Malaysia purchased 80 refurbished A-4C and A-4L under a modernization program called PERISTA. Forty of the airframes were upgraded with the Hughes AN/ASB-19 Angle Rate Bombing System, air refueling capability, and increased payload, while the rest were kept in the U.S. as a reserve and as a source of spare parts. This modified version was redesignated as A-4PTM and were unique to Malaysia. Deliveries took place between 1984 and 1985.<ref name="Winchester 169">Winchester 2004, p. 169.</ref>

The Skyhawks were operated by the [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]] (RMAF), serving in the No.6 and No.9 RMAF Squadrons, based at [[Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport|Kuantan air base]].<ref name="Winchester 169"/> During the late 1980s, Argentina attempted to [[barter]] for Skyhawks from Malaysia in exchange for [[FMA IA-63 Pampa]] aircraft and ground vehicles, but no such transaction took place.<ref name="Winchester 169"/> While in RMAF service, the type suffered from frequent maintenance issues and a high accident rate; it is believed that this contributed to the type's relatively short service life.<ref name="Winchester 16970">Winchester 2004, pp. 169-170.</ref> In 1995, the Skyhawk fleet was retired and remaining examples were stored outside, while the RMAF replaced the type with the [[BAE Systems Hawk]]. Malaysia reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Skyhawks from New Zealand during the 2000s.<ref name="Winchester 1701">Winchester 2004, pp. 170-171.</ref>

===Brazil===
As of 2014, Brazil is the latest Skyhawk customer. In 1997, Brazil negotiated a $70 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=70000000|start_year=1997}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) contract for purchase of 20 A-4KU and three TA-4KU Skyhawks from Kuwait. Kuwait's Skyhawks, modified A-4Ms and TA-4Js delivered in 1977, were among the last of those models built by Douglas. The aircraft were selected by Brazil because of their low flight time, excellent physical condition, and a favorable price.<ref name="Winchester 172">Winchester 2004, p. 172.</ref> The [[Brazilian Navy]] re-designated AF-1 and AF-1A Falcões (Hawks), the Kuwaiti Skyhawks arrived in [[Arraial do Cabo]] on 5 September 1998.<ref>[http://www.dialogo-americas.com/en_GB/articles/rmisa/features/special_reports/2012/01/03/feature-ex-2770 "Protecting Brazil’s Riches".] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131085345/http://www.dialogo-americas.com/en_GB/articles/rmisa/features/special_reports/2012/01/03/feature-ex-2770 |date=31 January 2012}} ''Diálogo'', 3 January 2012. Retrieved: 27 January 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.aereo.jor.br/2011/06/06/conhecendo-o-a-4-skyhawk-ii/ "Conhecendo o A-4KU Skyhawk II" (in Portuguese).] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818192928/http://www.aereo.jor.br/2011/06/06/conhecendo-o-a-4-skyhawk-ii/ |date=18 August 2011}} ''Poder Aéreo'', 6 June 2012. Retrieved: 27 January 2012.</ref><ref name="Winchester 1712">Winchester 2004, pp. 171-172.</ref>

On 18 January 2001, an AF-1 trapped aboard the Brazilian aircraft carrier {{ship|Brazilian aircraft carrier|Minas Gerais||2}} was later successfully catapulted, making Brazil's fixed-wing carrier force operational again after nearly two decades.<ref name="Winchester 173">Winchester 2004, p. 173.</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=NAeL Minas Gerais - Brazilian Navy |url=http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/vengeance/History_BN.html |website=fleetairarmarchive.net |access-date=9 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229164158/http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/vengeance/History_BN.html |archive-date=29 February 2012 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> To replace the aging ''Minas Gerais'', Brazil purchased the surplus {{ship |French aircraft carrier|Foch|R99}} on 15 November 2001.<ref name="Winchester 1723">Winchester 2004, pp. 172-173.</ref> Renamed {{ship |Brazilian aircraft carrier|São Paulo|A12}}, the "new" carrier received extensive refitting before becoming operational during 2003. ''Minas Gerais'' was decommissioned that same year and later put up for sale.<ref>[http://www.ecsbdefesa.com.br/defesa/fts/MA4MB.pdf "Modernização dos A-4 da Marinha do Brasil" (in Portuguese).] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426070825/http://www.ecsbdefesa.com.br/defesa/fts/MA4MB.pdf |date=26 April 2012}} ''ecsbdefesa.com''. Retrieved: 27 January 2012</ref><ref name="Winchester 173"/>

On 14 April 2009, [[Embraer]] signed a contract to modernize 12 Brazilian Navy aircraft, nine AF-1s (single-seat) and three AF-1As (two-seat), with the aim of restoring the operating capacity of the Navy 1st Intercept and Attack Plane Squadron. The program includes restoring the aircraft and their current systems, as well as implementing new avionics, radar, power production, and autonomous oxygen generating systems.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/2009/04/14/idUS206474+14-Apr-2009+PRN20090414 "Embraer to Modernize Brazilian Navy AF-1 and AF-1A Jets".] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711063546/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/04/14/idUS206474+14-Apr-2009+PRN20090414 |date=11 July 2011}} ''Reuters'', 14 April 2009. Retrieved: 27 January 2012.</ref> The first of the 12 modified Skyhawks was delivered on 27 May 2015. Embraer stated the modifications will allow the aircraft to remain operational until 2025.<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2015/05/27/Brazilian-Navy-receives-modernized-A-4-Skyhawk/6481432743306/ "Brazilian Navy receives modernized A-4 Skyhawk."] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527204750/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2015/05/27/Brazilian-Navy-receives-modernized-A-4-Skyhawk/6481432743306/ |date=27 May 2015}} ''UPI'', 27 May 2015. Retrieved: 27 May 2015.</ref>

In 2017, the Brazilian Navy indicated that it was reconsidering the total number of aircraft to be modernized to AF-1B/C standard due to budget constraints and the decommissioning of the ''São Paulo''. Two AF-1Bs were delivered in 2015 and a further two of undisclosed type are to be delivered in 2017. It is believed that despite the loss of its only carrier, the Navy wants to retain the experience of carrier-based operations, and thus will not rescind the contract outright.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Barreira |first1=Victor |title=Brazil re-thinks Skyhawk upgrade programme |journal=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |date=2 August 2017 |volume=54 |issue=31 |page=11}}</ref> As of 2022, there are 3 A-4s in service, with 3 used for training and the other aircraft on display.{{cn|date=June 2022}}

===Others===
[[File:DA Defence German A4.jpg|thumb|Discovery Air A-4]]

[[Top Aces]], formerly Discovery Air Defense Services, a private Canadian company contracted by the [[Canadian Armed Forces]], [[Australian Defence Force]], and [[Bundeswehr]] to provide air combat and fighter training, imported and registered ten A-4N and TA-4J aircraft. Discovery upgraded and modified the jets to be capable of [[Electronic Warfare]] training.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discoveryair-ds.com/douglasa4 |title=Top Aces - McDonnell Douglas A-4N |website=discoveryair-ds.com |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224180441/http://www.discoveryair-ds.com/douglasa4 |archive-date=24 February 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://topaces.com/our-fleet/ |title=Our Fleet - Top Aces |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221224300/https://topaces.com/our-fleet/ |archive-date=21 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Third-party inline|date=March 2019}} Top Aces also operates A-4Ns under contract for training of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr).<ref name="avleak">{{cite magazine |last=Osborne |first=Tony |title=Exporting Expertise: Outsourcing combat-ready pilot training |magazine=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]] |date=31 August – 13 September 2015 |volume=177 |issue=17 |pages=28–29 |url=http://archive.aviationweek.com/issue/20150901/#!&pid=28 |access-date=16 March 2019 |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012112412/http://archive.aviationweek.com/issue/20150901#!&pid=28 |archive-date=12 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discoveryair-ds.com/page?a=1173&lang=en-CA |title=Top Aces - Discovery Air announces new airborne training services contract with the German Armed Forces |website=discoveryair-ds.com |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220130123/http://www.discoveryair-ds.com/page?a=1173&lang=en-CA |archive-date=20 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Another major civil user of A-4s for training support to military forces is US-based [[Draken International]], which operates ex-New Zealand A-4Ks as part of a diverse fleet of jets.<ref>{{cite web |last=Drew |first=Paul |title=CAE proposes 16 Draken A-4 Skyhawks for RCAF fighter training |work=Flightglobal |date=24 May 2016 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/cae-proposes-16-draken-a-4-skyhawks-for-rcaf-fighter-425709/ |access-date=16 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124020738/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/cae-proposes-16-draken-a-4-skyhawks-for-rcaf-fighter-425709/ |archive-date=24 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Giangreco |first=Leigh |title=Commercial A-4 Skyhawk crashes near Nellis |work=Flightglobal |date=18 August 2016 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/commercial-a-4-skyhawk-crashes-near-nellis-428636/ |access-date=16 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819222044/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/commercial-a-4-skyhawk-crashes-near-nellis-428636/ |archive-date=19 August 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ANALYSIS: How Draken International became the world's biggest private air force |work=Flightglobal |date=3 September 2014 |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-how-draken-international-became-the-world-402908/ |access-date=16 March 2019}}</ref> A-4s have previously been operated in the target support role in Germany by [[Tracor|Tracor Flight Systems]].<ref name="avleak"/>
[[Legionnaire International]] owns seven A-4L models and one TA-4J, which are used for weapons RDT&E programs, as well as radar and electronic warfare testing and training.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://legionnaireintl.com/|title=Home - Legionnaire International|date=31 May 2023}}</ref>

==Variants==
{{multiple image
|direction= vertical
|align= right
|width= 220
|footer_align = center
|footer= U.S. Navy A-4B (A4D-2)
|image1= A4D-2 Skyhawk of VA-81 on catapult of USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in 1962.jpg
|width1=
|caption1= VA-81 A4D-2 on USS ''Forrestal'' in 1962.
|image2= Douglas A4 Skyhawk 3.jpg
|width2=
|caption2= A-4B in the [[Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum]]
}}
[[File:Douglas A-4C Skyhawk of VA-113 landing aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) off Vietnam, in March 1966.jpg|thumb|A-4C landing on USS ''Kitty Hawk'' in 1966.]]
[[File:A-4SU Korat 2002.jpg|thumb|[[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] [[A-4SU Super Skyhawk]]]]
[[File:Skyhawk A4K DF-ST-85-04198.jpg|thumb|RNZAF A-4K]]
[[File:Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk of VA-164 aboard USS Hancock (CVA-19), circa in 1974.jpg|thumb|TA-4F Skyhawk of VA-164 aboard the aircraft carrier {{USS|Hancock|CVA-19|6}} in the early 1970s]]
[[File:A4 lands on melbourne.jpg|thumb|A-4G of VF-805 takes a wire aboard {{HMAS|Melbourne|R21|6}} in 1980]]
[[File:A-4KUBrazil CVN-76 2004.jpg|thumb|Brazilian Navy AF-1 (A-4KU)]]
[[File:A-4L VA-203 1970.jpg|thumb|Naval Reserve A-4L of VA-203]]
[[File:933 at TA-4SU Skyhawk of the Singapore Air Force.jpg|thumb|Dual cockpits of the TA-4SU Skyhawk]]
[[File:A-4M VMA-322.JPEG|thumb|A-4M of [[VMA-322]]]]
[[File:OA-4M MAG-32 1990.JPEG|thumb|OA-4M of [[MAG-32]] in 1990]]
[[File:Argentina Air Force McDonnell Douglas A-4AR Fightinghawk Lofting-2.jpg|thumb|[[Argentine Air Force]] A-4AR Fightinghawk]]

===Original production variants===
;XA4D-1: Initial prototype, one built.
;YA4D-1: Flight test prototypes and pre-production aircraft; redesignated '''YA-4A''' in 1962, then '''A-4A''', 19 built.
;A4D-1 (A-4A): Initial production version; redesignated '''A-4A''' in 1962, 166 built.
;A4D-2 (A-4B): Strengthened aircraft and added air-to-air refueling capabilities, improved navigation and flight control systems, provision for [[AGM-12 Bullpup]] missile; redesignated '''A-4B''' in 1962, 542 built.
;A4D-2N (A-4C): Night/adverse weather version of A4D-2, with AN/APG-53A [[radar]], [[autopilot]], LABS low-altitude bombing system. [[Wright J65]]-W-20 engine with {{convert|8200|lbf|kN|abbr=on|lk=on}} of takeoff thrust; redesignated '''A-4C''' in 1962, 638 built.
;A4D-3: Proposed advanced avionics version, none built.
;A4D-4: Proposed long-range version with new wings; none built.
;A4D-5 (A-4E): Major upgrade, including new [[Pratt & Whitney J52|Pratt & Whitney J52-P-6A]] engine with {{convert|8500|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} of thrust, strengthened airframe with two more weapon pylons (for a total of five), improved avionics, with [[TACAN]], [[Doppler radar|Doppler navigation radar]], radar altimeter, toss-bombing computer, and AJB-3A low-altitude bombing system. Many later upgraded with J52-P-8 engine with {{convert|9300|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} thrust; redesignated '''A-4E''' in 1962,<ref group=note>The designation A-4D was not used to avoid confusion with the pre-1962 A4D designation.</ref> 499 built.
;A4D-6: Proposed enlarged version of the A4D-5, none built.
;A-4F: Refinement of the A-4E with extra avionics housed in a hump on the fuselage spine (this feature later retrofitted to A-4Es and some A-4Cs), wing-top spoilers to reduce landing roll out, nose wheel steering, and a more powerful J52-P-8A engine with {{convert|9300|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} of thrust, later upgraded in service to the J52-P-408 with {{convert|11200|lbf|kN|abbr=on}}, 147 built. Some served with the [[Blue Angels]] acrobatic team from 1973 to 1986.
;[[McDonnell Douglas A-4G Skyhawk|A-4G]]: Eight aircraft built new for the [[Royal Australian Navy]] with minor variations from the A-4F; in particular, they were not fitted with the avionics hump. Subsequently, eight more A-4Fs were modified to this standard for the RAN. Significantly the A-4Gs were modified to carry four underwing Sidewinder AIM-9B missiles, increasing their Fleet Defense capability.<ref>[http://www.navy.gov.au/McDonnell_Douglas_A4G_Skyhawk "McDonnell Douglas A4G Skyhawk."] {{webarchive|url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090519171242/http://www.navy.gov.au/McDonnell_Douglas_A4G_Skyhawk |date=19 May 2009}} ''Royal Australian Navy''. Retrieved: 27 November 2015.</ref><ref name="Elward p163">Elward 2000, p. 163.</ref> Ten were sold in 1984 to the [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]] and later rebuilt under [[Project KAHU]] into A-4Ks.
;A-4H: 90 aircraft for the [[Israeli Air Force]] based on the A-4F. Used 30&nbsp;mm (1.18&nbsp;in) [[DEFA cannon]] with 150 rpg in place of U.S. 20&nbsp;mm (.79&nbsp;in) guns. Later, some A-4Es later locally modified to this standard. Subsequently, modified with extended jetpipes as protection against heat-seeking missiles.
;A-4K: 10 aircraft for [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]]. In the 1990s, these were upgraded under [[Project KAHU]] with new radar and avionics, provision for [[AGM-65 Maverick]], [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]], and [[GBU-16 Paveway II]] [[laser-guided bomb]]. The RNZAF also rebuilt a further A-4C and 10 A-4Gs to A-4K standard. 
;A-4M Skyhawk II: Dedicated Marine version with improved avionics and more powerful J52-P-408 engine with {{convert|11200|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} thrust, enlarged cockpit, [[Identification friend or foe|IFF]] system. Later fitted with Hughes AN/ASB-19 Angle Rate Bombing System (ARBS) with TV and laser spot tracker, 158 built.
;{{visible anchor|A-4N}}: 117 modified A-4Ms for the Israeli Air Force.
;TA-4F: Conversion trainer – standard A-4F with extra seat for an instructor, 241 built.
;[[McDonnell Douglas A-4G Skyhawk|TA-4G]]: two trainer versions of the A-4G built new, and two more modified from TA-4Fs.
;TA-4H: 25 trainer versions of the A-4H for Israel. Upgraded with more modern avionics.
;{{visible anchor|TA-4J}}: Dedicated trainer version based on A-4F, but lacking combat capability and with down-rated engine, 277 built new, and most TA-4Fs were later converted to this configuration.
;TA-4K: Four trainer versions of the TA-4J. A fifth example only for static display was later assembled in New Zealand from spare parts.

===Upgraded, modified and export variants===
;TA-4E: Two A-4Es modified as prototypes of a trainer version.
;EA-4F: Four TA-4Fs converted for [[Electronic countermeasures|ECM]] training.
;A-4L: 100 A-4Cs remanufactured for Marine Corps Reserves and Navy Reserve squadrons. Fitted with A-4F avionics (including the fuselage hump) but retaining J-65 engine and three-pylon wing.<ref name="Elward p71-2">Elward 2000, pp. 71–72.</ref>
;OA-4M: 23 TA-4Fs modified for [[Forward Air Control]] duties.<ref>[http://a4skyhawk.org/common/oa4m.htm "OA-4M."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122114144/http://a4skyhawk.org/common/oa4m.htm |date=22 November 2015}} ''a4skyhawk.org/ A-4 Skyhawk Association''. Retrieved: 21 November 2015.</ref>
;A-4P: Remanufactured A-4Bs sold to [[Argentine Air Force]], known as A-4B by the Argentines.
;A-4Q: Remanufactured A-4Bs sold to [[Argentine Navy]].
;A-4Y: Provisional designation for A-4Ms modified with the ARBS. Designation never adopted by the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps.<ref name="Gann p114">Gann ''Wings of Fame'' No. 4 1996, p. 114.</ref>
;[[Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk|A-4AR Fightinghawk]]: 36 A-4Ms refurbished for Argentina. 
;[[Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk|OA-4AR Fightinghawk]]: Refurbished two-seat training version for Argentina.<ref name=OA_4Raccident>[http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=153270 "ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 153270."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523210431/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=153270 |date=23 May 2013}} ''aviation-safety.net''. Retrieved: 5 May 2013.</ref>
;CA-4F: A proposed two seat variant for the Royal Canadian Navy based on the A-4E with a dorsal conformal fuel tank instead of an avionics hump, it was to have replaced the F2H-3 Banshee on HMCS Bonaventure.  Canada expressed little interest and so it was never placed in production.<ref>[http://skyhawk.org/article-unit/proposal-canada "Canada Skyhawk Proposal."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414081753/http://a4skyhawk.org/content/canada-skyhawk-proposal |date=14 April 2012}} ''a4skyhawk.org''. Retrieved: 21 November 2015.</ref>
;A-4KU: 30 modified A-4Ms for the Kuwaiti Air Force. Brazil purchased 20 of these second-hand and redesignated them AF-1. Now used by the [[Brazilian Navy]] on carrier duty.
;TA-4KU: Three trainer versions of the above. Brazil purchased some of these second-hand and redesignated them AF-1A.
;A-4PTM: 40 A-4Cs and A-4Ls refurbished for [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]], incorporating many A-4M features (''PTM'' stands for ''Peculiar to Malaysia'').<ref name="malaysia">[http://a4skyhawk.org/2e/malaysia/malaysia.htm "Royal Malaysian Air Force."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622200333/http://a4skyhawk.org/2e/malaysia/malaysia.htm |date=22 June 2012}} ''a4skyhawk.org''. Retrieved: 1 October 2012.</ref>
;TA-4PTM: Unique trainer version for Royal Malaysian Air Force. Converted from A-4C/L airframes with 28" fuselage plug and second cockpit, similar to TA-4F/J (PTM stands for Peculiar to Malaysia).<ref name="malaysia"/>
;[[ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk|A-4S]]: 50 A-4Bs remanufactured for [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]].
;[[ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk|TA-4S]]: Seven [[Trainer (aircraft)|trainer]] versions of the above. Different from most TA-4 trainers with a common cockpit for the student and instructor pilot, these were essentially rebuilt with a {{convert|28|in|mm|adj=on|abbr=on}} fuselage plug inserted into the front fuselage and a separate bulged cockpit (giving better all-round visibility) for the instructor seated behind the student pilot.
;[[ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk|A-4S-1]]: 50 A-4Cs remanufactured for the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
;[[ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk|TA-4S-1]]: Eight trainer versions of the above. These were designated as TA-4S-1 to set it apart from the earlier batch of seven airframes.
;[[ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk|A-4SU Super Skyhawk]]: Extensively modified and updated version of the A-4S-1, exclusively for the Republic of Singapore Air Force, fitted with a [[General Electric F404]] non-afterburning [[turbofan]] engine, and modernized electronics.
;[[ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk|TA-4SU Super Skyhawk]]: Extensively modified and updated version of the TA-4S & TA-4S-1 to TA-4SU standard.
;AF-1/1A: [[Brazilian Navy]] designation applied to 23 A-4KU and TA-4KU aircraft acquired from the [[Kuwaiti Air Force]].
;AF-1B/C: [[Brazilian Navy]] upgraded version of AF-1/1A by [[Embraer]] and [[AEL Sistemas]]. Changes from analog to digital avionics, new radar systems, improved communications equipment and weapons.<ref name="Flightglobal">{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/embraer-hands-first-modernized-af-1b-carrier-jet-to-412801/ |title= Embraer hands first modernized AF-1B carrier jet to Brazilian Navy |publisher= Flightglobal |year= 2015 |access-date= 19 July 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160818150620/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/embraer-hands-first-modernized-af-1b-carrier-jet-to-412801/ |archive-date= 18 August 2016 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="cavok.com.br">{{cite web |url=http://www.cavok.com.br/blog/marinha-do-brasil-primeiro-voo-do-prototipo-do-programa-de-modernizacao-das-aeronaves-af-1/ |title=Marinha do Brasil: Primeiro voo do protótipo do Programa de Modernização das Aeronaves AF-1 |year=2016 |access-date=19 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821191607/http://www.cavok.com.br/blog/marinha-do-brasil-primeiro-voo-do-prototipo-do-programa-de-modernizacao-das-aeronaves-af-1/ |archive-date=21 August 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
'''A-4N-AAF'''

: Former Israeli A-4Ns modified for aggressor training by Canadian Defence contractor [[Top Aces]]. The Advanced Aggressor Mission System upgrade includes AESA radar, IRST, HMCS, Tactical Datalink, and EW capabilities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top Aces |url=https://www.topaces.com/AAMS |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=www.topaces.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Operators==
{{main|List of Douglas A-4 Skyhawk operators}}

;{{ARG}}
* [[Argentine Air Force]]<ref name=World_Air_Forces_2019/> – use the modernized version [[Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk|A-4AR]] as fighter and fighter trainer.
;{{BRA}}
* [[Brazilian Navy]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.airway.com.br/embraer-inicia-modernizacao-de-ultimo-caca-af-1-da-marinha/ |title= Embraer inicia modernização de último caça AF-1 da Marinha |date= 10 April 2019 |publisher= airway.com.br |access-date= 5 May 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190505142814/https://www.airway.com.br/embraer-inicia-modernizacao-de-ultimo-caca-af-1-da-marinha/ |archive-date= 5 May 2019 |url-status= live}}</ref> – 4 modernized AF-1B (A-4KU) in operation and 3 AF-1C (TA-4KU) for training<ref name=World_Air_Forces_2019>{{cite web |author= Hoyle, Craig |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-2019-world-air-forces-directory-454126/ |title= ANALYSIS: 2019 World Air Forces Directory |publisher= Flightglobal Insight |date= 4 December 2018 |access-date= 14 April 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190123181847/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-2019-world-air-forces-directory-454126/ |archive-date= 23 January 2019 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="Flightglobal"/><ref name="cavok.com.br"/>
;{{CAN}}
* [[Top Aces|Top Aces Inc.]] - Owns and operates 21 A-4N-AAF and one TA-4J for use as trainer and aggressor aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=2021-04-30 |title=Top Aces' Aggressor A-4s Are Now The World's Most Advanced Skyhawks |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40404/top-aces-aggressor-a-4s-are-now-the-worlds-most-advanced-skyhawks |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=The Drive |language=en}}</ref><ref name="topaces">{{TCregister|TOP+ACES|Top Aces|2023-02-27}}</ref>
;{{USA}}
* [[Draken International]] – based at [[Lakeland Linder International Airport]], owns and operates 7 former New Zealand A/TA-4Ks and 6 former Israeli A-4Ns.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Name_Results.aspx?Nametxt=DRAKEN&sort_option=1&PageNo=1 |title=FAA Registry |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226111137/https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Name_Results.aspx?Nametxt=DRAKEN&sort_option=1&PageNo=1 |archive-date=26 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[AeroGroup]], a private American commercial company operating previously owned A-4 aircraft.<ref>[http://www.pr.com/press-release/540046 "AeroGroup Concludes F-16 Pilot Training Contract with the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) for the Belgian Air Force, Belgian Air Component."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003142922/http://www.pr.com/press-release/540046 |date=3 October 2015}} ''Pr.com'', 31 January 2014. Retrieved: 27 November 2015.</ref>
* Legionnaire International Ltd Co - Owns seven and currently operates four A-4L (A4D-2N) and one TA-4J Skyhawks based at KGYI [[North Texas Regional Airport]]/Perrin Field in Denison Texas. The aircraft are used extensively for RDT&E of weapon systems, as well as radar and electronic warfare development and test.{{cn|date=August 2025}}

===Former operators===
;{{ARG}}
* [[Argentine Navy]]
;{{AUS}}
* [[Royal Australian Navy]] – sold to RNZAF
;{{IDN}}
* [[Indonesian Air Force]] (TNI-AU) – retired in 2004
;{{flaglist|Israel}}
* [[Israeli Air Force]] – retired from frontline duty in 2008, retired from training flights in December 2015.<ref>http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4738755,00.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213191126/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4738755,00.html |date=13 December 2015}} "IAF retires Skyhawk after 48 years in service.</ref>
;{{KUW}}
* [[Kuwait Air Force]] – sold to Brazilian Navy
;{{MYS}}
* [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]] – retired from service. Some are on display and some were donated to universities for aero-mechanical studies.{{cn|date=December 2023}}
;{{NZL}}
* [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]] – retired in 2001
;{{SGP}}
* [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] retired from frontline service in 2005, and were transferred to France (Cazaux Air Base) as advanced jet trainers. The Skyhawks were retired from training flights from 2013 and replaced by the Alenia Aermacchi M-346. 1 RSAF A-4SU was donated to the Institute of Technical Education (ITE College Central) for vocational and training purposes.
;{{USA}}
* [[United States Navy]]
* [[United States Marine Corps]]
<!-- Further details covered at [[List of Douglas A-4 Skyhawk operators]]. -->

==Aircraft on display==
{{main|List of displayed Douglas A-4 Skyhawks}}
[[File:Márquez-A4Q.jpg|thumb|Argentine Navy A-4Q as a gate guardian at [[Mar del Plata]]]]

Given the number of air forces that operated the Skyhawk, a significant number have been preserved, either airworthy or on display. Preserved A-4s can be found in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, France, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, United States, and others.

==Specifications (A4D-5 / A-4E Skyhawk)==
[[File:Douglas A-4E Skyhawk 3-view line drawing (converted).svg|300px|right|Douglas A-4 Skyhawk 3-view drawing]]
[[File:A4ABCweb.jpg|thumb|upright|A-4 Skyhawk A/B/C color scheme|alt=]]
[[File:A4EFMweb.jpg|thumb|upright|A-4 Skyhawk E/F/M color scheme|alt=]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref =McDonnell Douglas aircraft since 1920 : Volume I,<ref name="Francillon">Francillon 1988, pp. 477–498.</ref> Global Security : A4D (A-4) Skyhawk{{cn|date=November 2023}}
|prime units?= kts
<!--   General characteristics
-->
|crew= 1
|length ft= 40
|length in= 1.5
|length note=
|span ft= 27
|span in= 6
|span note=
|height ft= 15
|height in= 2
|height note=
|wing area sqft= 260
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil='''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 0008-1.1-25]]; '''tip:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 0005-.825-50]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1 = Lednicer |first1 = David |title = The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url = https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website = m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date = 16 April 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190326174850/https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |archive-date = 26 March 2019 |url-status = live}}</ref>
|empty weight lb= 9,853
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb= 16,216
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb= 24,500
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--   Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number= 1
|eng1 name= [[Pratt & Whitney J52-P-6A]]
|eng1 type= [[turbojet]] engine
|eng1 lbf= 8,500
|eng1 note=
<!--   Performance
-->
|max speed kts= 585
|max speed note= at sea level
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kts=
|minimum control speed note=
|range nmi= 1,008
|range note=
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range nmi= 2,194
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=
|ceiling note=
|g limits= +8 -3
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ftmin= 5,750
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading lb/sqft= 62.4
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|thrust/weight= 0.526 (at gross weight)

|more performance=
<!--   Armament
-->
|guns= 2× [[20 mm caliber|20 mm (0.79 in)]] [[Colt Mk 12 cannon]], 100 rounds/gun
|hardpoints= 4× under-wing & 1× under-fuselage pylon stations
|hardpoint capacity= {{cvt|8500|lb}} 
|hardpoint rockets= 4× LAU-10 rocket pods (each with 4× [[Zuni (rocket)|127 mm Mk 32 Zuni rockets]])
|missiles=<br />
** [[Air-to-air missile]]s:
*** 4× [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]]
** [[Air-to-surface missile]]s:
*** 2× [[AGM-12 Bullpup]]
*** 2× [[AGM-45 Shrike]] [[anti-radiation missile]]
*** 2× [[AGM-62 Walleye]] TV-guided [[glide bomb]]
*** 2× [[AGM-65 Maverick]]
|hardpoint bombs=<br />
*** 6× [[CBU-100 Cluster Bomb|Rockeye-II Mark 20]] [[Cluster bomb|Cluster Bomb Unit (CBU)]]
*** 6× Rockeye Mark 7/APAM-59 CBU
*** [[Mark 80|Mark 80 series]] of [[unguided bomb]]s (including 3&nbsp;kg and 14&nbsp;kg practice bombs)
*** [[B43 nuclear bomb]]
*** [[B57 nuclear bomb]]
*** [[B61 nuclear bomb]]
|hardpoint other=up to 3× {{convert|370|gal|L|lk=on}} ''Sargent Fletcher'' [[drop tank]]s for ferry flight/extended range/loitering time
<!--
** Douglas Escapac 1 (A-4A, B, C, & E) and 1A-1 (A-4A, B, C, & E) [[ejection seat]]<ref>[http://www.ejectionsite.com/escapacfr.htm "Douglas Escapac Series - The Ejection Site"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822194318/http://www.ejectionsite.com/escapacfr.htm |date=22 August 2018}} ''ejectionsite.com''. Retrieved: 18 February 2019.</ref> -->
|avionics= Typical avionics fitted to A-4s
* [[Bendix Corporation|Bendix]] [[List of radars#AN/APN Series|AN/APN-141]] Low altitude [[radar altimeter]] (refitted to C and E, standard in the F)<ref>[http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/jetds/an-apn.html "AN/APN - Equipment Listing."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215180635/http://designation-systems.net/usmilav/jetds/an-apn.html |date=15 December 2010}} ''Designation-Systems.net.'' Retrieved: 30 September 2012.</ref>
* [[Stewart-Warner]] [[List of radars#AN/APQ Series|AN/APQ-145]] Mapping & Ranging radar (mounted on A-4F, also found on A-4E/N/S/SU)<ref>[http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/jetds/an-apq.html "AN/APQ - Equipment Listing."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612031106/http://designation-systems.net/usmilav/jetds/an-apq.html |date=12 June 2010}} ''Designation-Systems.net.'' Retrieved: 30 September 2012.</ref>
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|see also=<!-- other related articles that have not already linked: -->
|related=<!-- designs which were developed into or from this aircraft: -->
* [[Lockheed Martin A-4AR Fightinghawk]]
* [[McDonnell Douglas A-4G Skyhawk]]
* [[ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk]]
|similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar Role, Era, and Capability as this design: -->
* [[Dassault Étendard IV]]
* [[Dassault Super Mystère]]
* [[Fiat G.91]]
* [[Hawker Hunter]]
* [[PZL-Mielec Lim-6]]
* [[Saab 32 Lansen]]
|lists=<!-- relevant lists that this aircraft appears in: -->
* [[List of attack aircraft]]
* [[List of military aircraft of the United States]]
* [[List of military electronics of the United States]]
<!-- See [[WP:Air/PC]] for more explanation of these fields. -->
}}

==References==

===Notes===
{{reflist|group=note}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last = Aloni |first = Shlomo |title = Israeli A-4 Skyhawk Units in Combat (Osprey Combat Aircraft #81) |location = Oxford, UK |publisher = Osprey Publishing Limited |date = 2009 |isbn = 978-1-84603-430-5}}
* [http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=153270 "ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 153270."] ''aviation-safety.net''. Retrieved: 5 May 2013.
* {{cite book |last = Chant |first = Chris |title = Air War in the Falklands 1982 (Osprey Combat Aircraft #28) |location = Oxford, UK |publisher = Osprey Publishing |date = 2001 |isbn = 978-1-84176-293-7}}
* {{cite book |last1 =Dorr |first1 = Robert F |first2 = Chris |last2 = Bishop |title = Vietnam Air War Debrief |location = London, UK |publisher = Aerospace Publishing |date = 1996 |isbn = 1-874023-78-6}}
* {{cite book |last = Drendel |first = Lou |title = A-4 Skyhawk in Action |location = Carrollton, Texas, US |publisher = Squadron/Signal Publications |date = 1973 |isbn = 0-89747-010-9}}
* {{cite book |last = Elward |first = Brad |title = McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk |location = Ramsbury, Wiltshire, UK |publisher = Crowood Press |date = 2000 |isbn = 1-86126-340-6}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Francillon |first1 = René J. |title = McDonnell Douglas aircraft since 1920 : Volume I |date = 1988 |publisher = Naval Institute Press |location = London, UK |isbn = 0870214284}}
* {{cite book |last = Gann |first = Harry S. |title = Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Variant Briefing: Part 1". ''Wings of Fame'', Volume 4 |location = London, UK |publisher = Aerospace Publishing |date = 1996 |pages = 98–117 |isbn = 1-874023-71-9}}
* {{cite book |last = Gann |first = Harry S. |title = Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Variant Briefing: Part 2: Export Versions. ''Wings of Fame'', Volume 5 |location = London, UK |publisher = Aerospace Publishing |date = 1996 |pages = 130–145 |isbn = 1-874023-90-5}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Grossnick |first1 = Roy A. |first2 = William J. |last2 = Armstrong |title = United States Naval Aviation, 1910–1995 |location = Annapolis, Maryland, US |publisher = Naval Historical Center |date = 1997 |isbn = 0-16-049124-X}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Gunston |first1 = Bill |first2 = Mike |last2 = Spick |first3 = David |last3 = Miller |title = Modern Air Combat |url = https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Air-Combat-Gunston-Spick/dp/B000IE4BZS/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1497962879&sr=1-2-fkmr1&keywords=modern+air+combat+david+miller |date = 1983 |publisher = Crescent Books |isbn = 978-0861011629}}
* {{cite book |last = Hobson |first = Chris |title = Vietnam Air Losses, USAF/USN/USMC, Fixed-Wing Aircraft Losses in Southeast Asia, 1961–1973 |location = North Branch, Minnesota, UK |publisher = Specialty Press |date = 2001 |isbn = 1-85780-115-6}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Heinemann |first1 = Rausa |first2 = Van |last2 = Every |title = Aircraft Design |date = August 1985 |edition = First |publisher = Nautical and Aviation Publishing Co. |isbn = 0933852150}}
* {{cite book |last = Kilduff |first = Peter |title = Douglas A-4 Skyhawk |location = London, UK |publisher = Osprey Publishing |date = 1983 |isbn = 0-85045-529-4}}
* {{cite book |last = McCarthy |first = Donald J. Jr. |title = MiG Killers: A Chronology of US Air Victories in Vietnam 1965–1973 |location = North Branch, Minnesota, US |publisher = Specialty Pr Pub & Wholesalers |date = 2009 |isbn = 978-1-58007-136-9}}
* {{cite book |last = Mersky |first = Peter |title = ''US Navy and Marine Corps A-4 Skyhawk Units of the Vietnam War'' (Osprey Combat Aircraft #69) |location = Oxford, UK |publisher = Osprey Publishing Limited |date = 2007 |isbn = 978-1-84603-181-6}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Parsons |first1 = Dave |first2 = Derek |last2 = Nelson |title = Bandits!: Pictorial History of American Adversarial Aircraft |location = St. Paul, Minnesota, US |publisher = Motorbooks International |date = 1993 |isbn = 0-87938-623-1}}
* {{cite book |last = Peacock |first = Lindsey |title = ''A-4 Skyhawk'' (Osprey Combat Aircraft series) |location = London, UK |publisher = Osprey Publications |date = 1987 |isbn = 0-85045-817-X}}
* {{cite book |last=Subroto |first=Hendro |title=Operasi Udara di Timor Timur |trans-title=Air Operations in East Timor |date=2005 |location=Jakarta |publisher=Pustaka Sinar Harapan |isbn=979-416-837-8 |language=id }}
* {{cite book |last = Wilson |first = Stewart |title = Phantom, Hornet and Skyhawk in Australian Service |location = Weston Creek, ACT, Australia |publisher = Aerospace Publications |date = 1993 |isbn = 1-875671-03-X}}
* {{cite book |last = Winchester |first = Jim |title = Douglas A-4 Skyhawk: Attack & Close-Support Fighter Bomber |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=ubDgAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA141 |date = 30 September 2004 |publisher = Pen and Sword |isbn = 978-1-84415-085-4}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |first1 = Núñez |last1 = Padin |first2 = Jorge |last2 = Felix |title = ''McDonnell Douglas A-4C Skyhawk'', Volume 21 (Serie Fuerza Aérea) |location = Bahía Blanca, Argentina |publisher = Fuerzas Aeronavales |date = 2011 |isbn = 978-987-1682-11-9}}
* {{cite book |first1 = Núñez |last1 = Padin |first2 = Jorge |last2 = Felix |title = ''McDonnell Douglas A-4Q & A-4E Skyhawk'', Volume 31 (Serie Aeronaval) |location = Bahía Blanca, Argentina |publisher = Fuerzas Aeronavales |date = 2013 |isbn = 978-987-1682-23-2}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* [http://www.navy.gov.au/history/museums/fleet-air-arm-museum Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum Skyhawk information]
* [http://www.boeing.com/history/products/a4d-a-4-skyhawk-light-attack-bomber.page A-4 Skyhawk page on Boeing.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061008141333/http://www.airforcemuseum.co.nz/main/McDonnellSkyhawk/ RNZAF Museum Skyhawk page]
* [http://www.adf-serials.com/n13.shtml Serial number history of Australian A-4 Skyhawks, prefix N13] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609172721/http://www.adf-serials.com/n13.shtml |date=9 June 2009}}
* [http://www.combatairmuseum.org/aircraft/douglasta4skyhawk.html A-4 at Combat Air Museum]
* [http://www.americancombatplanes.com/a4_1.html A-4 Skyhawk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303175055/http://www.americancombatplanes.com/a4_1.html |date=3 March 2016}} from reference book ''American Combat Planes of the 20th Century'' by R. Wagner
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100626070915/http://www.aero-web.org/locator/manufact/douglas/a-4.htm AeroWeb.org A-4 Skyhawks on display]
* [http://www.globalaviationresource.com/reports/2010/ta4j.php restoration to flight of a TA-4J ]
* [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1958/1958%20-%200294.html "A-4D Skyhawk"] a 1958 ''Flight'' article
* [http://airbum.com/pireps/PirepA4.html "Tantalizing Tinker Toy"] (pilot report), Budd Davisson, March, 1975, ''Air Progress.''

{{Douglas aircraft}}
{{McDonnell Douglas aircraft}}
{{USN attack aircraft}}
{{US attack aircraft}}
{{AvN aircraft designations}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Douglas A-4 Skyhawk| ]]
[[Category:Douglas aircraft|A-004 Skyhawk]]
[[Category:1950s United States attack aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:Carrier-based aircraft]]
[[Category:Cruciform tail aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1954]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]