Representatives of the governments of Israel and the United States along with Lockheed Martin celebrated the rollout of the first F-35A Lightning II of the Israeli Air Force, which marks a pivotal moment for the future of Israel's national defense.
"Israel is proud to be the first country in the area to receive and use the F-35," commented Avigdor Liberman, Israel's defense minister. “The F-35 is the best aircraft in the world and the choice of our military leaders is first level. It is clear and obvious to us and to the entire region that the F-35, the Adir, will be able to provide true deterrence and enhance our capabilities for a long time. "
Gen. Brig. Tal Kelman, chief of staff of the IAF, commented, “As a pilot with more than 30 years of experience on a wide range of aircraft, I have had the privilege of flying the F-35 simulator in Fort Worth and is it was like having the future in my hands. The unique combination of cutting-edge technology, impact and an incredible human-machine interface will take the world to the fifth generation. "
Present at the ceremony together with the minister, with more than 400 guests representing the government, the military and industry, also the United States Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro, Minister Tzachi Hanegbi of the cabinet of the Prime Minister of Israel, Heidi Grant, US Air Force Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs, Lt. gen. Chris Bogdan, executive officer of the F-35 Program, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, and Texas Congressman Craig Goldman.
"We are honored to partner with Israel and to help strengthen the solid and lasting partnership between our two nations," said Marillyn Hewson, chairman, president and CEO of Lockheed Martin during the ceremony. "The F-35 will help Israel confirm its role as a strength and stability point in the region and keep the nation safe for future generations."
The F-35 of Israel, renamed Adir - which in Hebrew means "The Great" - will represent a very important additional piece for maintaining Israel's military superiority in the Middle East, thanks to its advanced capacity to face emerging threats , like state-of-the-art missiles, and to ensure the protection of airspace. The F-35 combines advanced stealth technology that guarantees low observability with the speed and agility of a fighter, a fully integrated sensor system, netcentric capacity in operations and advanced support.
Israel's acquisition program includes 33 F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing, or CTOL, purchased through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS). Israel contributes to the F-35 program with the production of semi-wings for the F-35A by IAI - Israel Aerospace Industries; the contribution of Elbit Systems Ltd. to the helmet Generation III Helmet-Mounted Display, which will be used by F-35 pilots around the world; the production of composite components for the central part of the fuselage of the F-35 by Elbit Systems-Cyclone.
Three different F-35 models will replace the A / OA-10 aircraft Thunderbolt II and F-16 Fighting Falcon of the American Air Force, the F / A-18 aircraft Hornet of the US Navy and the F / A-18 and AV-8B aircraft Harrier of the Marines, and a series of fighters used in at least 11 other countries. After the declaration of initial operational capacity (IOC - Initial Operational Capability) combat-ready for the Marine Corps, the US Air Force and the US Navy expect to reach this milestone this year and during 2018 respectively. The 170 F-35 aircraft delivered have accumulated more than 60.000 flight hours to date.
