JERUSALEM - The Israel Air Force decided to suspend midair refueling exercises over the weekend as well as training flights for its fleet of older-model F-16s due to a series of malfunctions.

The refueling drill involving an F-16 fighter jet - the IAF's most-advanced combat aircraft - and an Air Force Boeing 707 tanker failed on Friday after the hose disconnected from the F-16. The two aircraft were forced to perform an emergency landing.

The incident, which did not leave any injuries, took place during a drill at the Ovda base in southern Israel.

The IAF launched an inquiry and decided to suspend the exercise, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Midair refueling is considered a critical capability for the IAF as it faces long-range missions, including a possible strike against Iran's nuclear facilities.