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(Nevatim AFB, Southern Israel) December 12th, 2016 marked a historic milestone for the Israeli Air Force (IAF) as the first two Lockheed Martin F-35I Adir stealth fighters arrived in Israel. The Adir, the most advanced fighter jet in the region, brings the IAF into the fifth-generation fighter era.
The two F-35i Adir (Hebrew for "Mighty") numbers 901 and 902 touched down after a late departure from northern Italy due to bad weather conditions. The two F-35I Adir are the first of 50 aircraft whose acquisition has been agreed upon so far.
The ceremony was attended by a plethora of high ranking officials and dignitaries, including: the President of Israel Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, the Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, IAF Commander Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel, the United States Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, U.S Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro and hundreds more guests.
The “Golden Eagle” squadron led by squadron commander Lt.-Col. Yotam is the first squadron to operate the Adir. Lt.-Col. Yotam is the first Israeli pilot to fly the Adir. The “Golden Eagle” squadron used to fly the F-16A/B Netz for about three decades. (See page 66 for our coverage of the Netz's retirement).
The IAF and squadron personnel including pilots, tech crews and additional supporting units have spent several months in the United States at Luke Air Force Base studying the advanced and unique technologies and operations of the F-35. The Adir brings new concepts into the IAF in various fields such as logistics, training and instruction. The main example for such a conceptual change is the extended use of simulators in “Adir” pilot training. The IAF aspires to perform about 50% of “Adir” flight hours in simulators.
According to the IAF the F-35I Adir is expected to be operational by December 2017. During this time the squadron will receive additional F-35s and will hold various evaluations, test and training flights for a better and more efficient use of the Adir technologies to meet the IAF needs in the stealth-era and current threat environment.
The Israeli F-35 will be installed with unique systems designed by Israeli companies, and tailored to specific Israeli needs. (much like the F-16I and F-15I)