An additional batch of three Lockheed Martin F-35I stealth fighters for Israel Air Force has arrived at the Nevatim air base in Southern...
An additional batch of three Lockheed Martin F-35I stealth fighters for Israel Air Force has arrived at the Nevatim air base in Southern Israel.
They were flown by U.S. Air Force pilots to the country on Sunday.
Christened Adir by Israel, the arrival of F-35I stealth fighters has given Israel an edge over its rivals in the region, with the capability to evade enemy radars, advanced sensors, still carrying a 8,000 kg weapon payload on its internal weapon bays and external hard points.
The first two arrived in December 2016, and have clocked dozens of flight hours, focused on training and flights intended to explore the fifth generation jet's capabilities.
The F-35I squadron named the “Golden Eagle” is scheduled to receive additional Adir aircraft throughout the year, and aims to achieve initial operational capability (IOC) by the end of 2017.
Italy was the first foreign operator of the F-35A, when two aircraft arrived in the country on Dec 12 2016, followed by Israel.
Israel has committed to purchase 50 F-35 fighter jets. The first 33 aircraft will have an average price of $110 million each, while the remaining are expected to be cheaper.
The F-35I will also be integrated with Israeli systems, to transform the aircraft to the F-35I version.
