Lockheed Martin Unveils Israel’s First F-35

Israeli singer-songwriter David Broza kicked off the official rollout ceremony for Israel’s F-35 Adir (“mighty one” in Hebrew) at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility June 22.

The aircraft is the first of a planned 33 Israeli F-35Is.

The Israeli air force chief has recommended that Israel buy 17 additional F-35s, which would bring the total to 50 fighters.

The first two F-35Is will land in Israel this December at Nevatim Air Base in southern Israel.

Israel will be the first F-35 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customer to receive its aircraft.

Jeff Babione, F-35 program manager (back row center, in red tie), and other Lockheed Martin representatives with the F-35I.

Israel is working with Lockheed Martin to maximize autonomy of its planned stealth fighter force.

The Israeli F-35I will have its own command, control, communications and computing (C4) system, indigenous weaponry, cyberprotection shield and possibly an autonomous electronic warfare system.

The Israeli air force will be unique among the FMS customers in performing heavy maintenance in-country rather than at predetermined regional overhaul facilities.

The F-35 will officially make its international debut in the U.K. next month at the Royal International Air Tattoo and the Farnborough Airshow.