Israel became the second country to declared Initial Operational Clearance for its Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting II stealth fighter flee...
Israel became the second country to declared Initial Operational Clearance for its Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting II stealth fighter fleet, less than a year after taking delivery of the first aircraft.
The IOC gives Israeli Air Force an strategic combat advantage over rival Arab Air Forces in the region, who operate fourth generation generation combat jets, while the F-35 is a fifth generation radar evading jet.
Since delivery of the first aircraft in December 2016, IAF carried out extensive training flights to quickly operationalise the aircraft and expand the flight envelope.
Based at the Nevatim Air Force Base, the Israeli F-35 fleet currently consist of 9 aircraft, of which five where chosen for the inspection. Eventually IAF will operate 50 aircraft.
Christened Adir in Israeli fleet, the F-35 will receive custom Israeli avionics modifications in the country, which will then be designated F-35I.
Unique features of the aircraft include, reduced radar signature, sensor fusion, supercruise, internal weapon bays and incredible 8 ton weapon payload including on external weapon stations.
Since 2006, more than 250 F-35 aircraft has been produced for US and its allies, with around 2,400 aircraft to be produced in total.
