Israeli government has cleared purchase of another 17 F-35A conventional take off and landing fighter aircraft, bringing the total on or...
Israeli government has cleared purchase of another 17 F-35A conventional take off and landing fighter aircraft, bringing the total on order to 50 jets.
These stealthy fifth generation fighters will give Israel an edge over its rivals in the region who operate fourth generation fighters.
The first two Israeli jets are expected to be delivered next month, making it the first foreign nation to operate the type outside U.S.
These jets will be upgraded with Israeli systems to become the F-35I Adhir (Mighty in Hebrew) and will enter the service of the Israeli Air Force during 2017.
The first Israeli F-35I squadron "Golden Eagle"will be based at the Nevatim airbase located south of Israel.
Produced by Lockheed Martin, F-35 can carry 18,000 pounds of weapons in its non-stealth mode, carrying them in six external hardpoints and a internal weapon bay.
In its stealth mode, F-35 can carry only 3,500 pounds of weapon in the internal bay.
Israeli companies, Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI) and Elbit systems supply wings and pilot helmet respectively for the F-35 program.
Country is also in talks to acquire the Short Take off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant F-35B and increase its F-35A fleet to 70 aircraft.
