F-35
Photo: Caulun Becher Images
F-35 has first test flight
After a ceremony in Dallas celebrating Israel's acquisition of one of the most advanced stealth aircraft in the world, F-35 undergoes its first test flight; Lieberman: 'This milestone in the Israel-US relationship will allow us to maintain our air supremacy.'
One month after Israel received the new stealth F-35 plane at a ceremony in Dallas, Texas,
the aircraft ‘Adir’ was tested for the first time on Tuesday in the southern US.
The flight took place as another stage in the transfer process to Israel from the American government which is, in practice, responsible for the aircraft until it is flown to Israel in mid-December.
In the coming months, the Adir will will undergo more trial flights to test its functional capabilities. Furthermore additional training for pilots in the Israel Air Force using new simulation technology will take place.
F-35 in action
Lockheed Martin aerospace company, where the plane was manufactured is supposed to send the second plane which is still in production and in total Israel is set to receive 19 such planes in the near future.
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman participated in the ceremony where he addressed around 400 guests. “The State of Israel is proud to be the first in our region to receive and operate the plane,” said Lieberman. “This is the most advanced plane in the world and the best decision of the security apparatus is to preserve air supremacy. It is obvious and well-known to us that the F-35 will serve as a deterrence and increase our military abilities for a long time to come.”
F-35 stealth aicraft (Photo: Caulun belcher images)
Lieberman then went on to praise the deal as yet another sign of the robust relationship between the US and Israel. “The plane will allow Israel to defend itself from developing threats in the region. It is another important milestone in our strategic cooperation. It is no secret that sometimes we have our disputes with the US on political frontiers but when it comes to Israel’s security we enjoy strong support and cooperation,” he said.
Photo: Caulun belcher images)
Air Force Chief of Staff Lt. Col Tal Kalman also delivered a speech at the ceremony. “As a pilot with more than 30 years of experience with a wide variety of planes, I had the privilege to fly in the F-35 simulator and it felt as if I was holding the future in my hands. The groundbreaking and lethal technology combined with human-artificial intelligence will lead the world to the fifth generation.”
The ‘Adir’ will augment Israel’s world-renowned air force arsenal and will maintain its qualitative superiority over the skies in the Middle East given. It is able to cope with, among other things, rocket threats and areas particularly protected by anti-aircraft weaponry.
In total, Israel is set to receive 33 such planes, with deliveries taking place over the course of the remaining year and next year. Six will be received annually until 2021 which will, together, form two squadrons.
Israel produced the F-35’s wings, the unique helmet required by its pilots as well as the supply of special material for the plane’s fuselage, and the doors of ammunition compartments.
