Aircraft
Israel’s First F-35s Delivered to VIP Reception
The Israeli Air Force is planning to have its first squadron operational by the end of next year.
One of two F-35As that were delivered to Nevatim airbase in Israel on December 12. (photo: Israeli MoD)
One of two F-35As that were delivered to Nevatim airbase in Israel on December 12. (photo: Israeli MoD)

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is aiming to go operational on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter by December next year. Its first two aircraft were delivered from Fort Worth, Texas, to Israel's Nevatim airbase on December 12. They were greeted by a host of VIPs, including the Israeli President, Prime Minister and Defense Minister; the U.S. Secretary of Defense; the Israeli Chief of the General Staff; the IAF Commander; and the president of Lockheed Martin.