Boosting Air Superiority: Israeli Air Force Receives Three New F-35 Jets
Israel’s fleet of "Adir" fighter jets continues to expand and is consistently proving its effectiveness in operational arenas
Photo: Lockheed Martin website
Three F-35 "Adir" stealth fighter jets landed in Israel over the weekend, following a flight from the Lockheed Martin facilities in the United States, with a layover in Europe. With their arrival, the Israeli Air Force's fleet of "Adir" jets now numbers 45, deployed across two operational squadrons and one training squadron, which uses operational aircraft for instructional purposes. Over the next year, five additional jets are expected to arrive, completing the two operational squadrons.
According to Israeli Air Force officials, all "Adir" jets have been in full operational service since they were declared combat-ready in 2017. The aircraft have participated in various operations, including during the "Operation Iron Swords" war, where they took part in strike missions over Gaza, Lebanon, and even beyond Israel’s borders. The "Adir’s" stealth capabilities and advanced technology allow it to operate in complex environments and heavily defended areas, providing a significant advantage on the battlefield.
In addition to the operational fleet, the Israeli Air Force also operates one AS-15 test aircraft, stationed at the Flight Test Center (Manat) at Tel Nof Airbase. This aircraft is used for the development of new technologies and for testing advanced capabilities, helping to maintain the Israeli Air Force at the forefront of global aviation technology.
The first procurement agreements for the F-35 aircraft were signed in 2010 and include a total order of 75 jets. This acquisition underscores the importance Israel places on the F-35 platform and the confidence it has in its unique capabilities.
Globally, F-35 stealth fighter jets have accumulated more than one million flight hours. Today, 1,150 aircraft are operational in 13 countries, deployed across 36 air bases and aboard 12 aircraft carriers. The operation of these jets involves 2,880 pilots and is supported by 17,950 maintenance personnel worldwide, highlighting the F-35’s popularity and reliability as a cornerstone of many air forces around the world.
