Three F-35 stealth fighter jets landed in Israel, joining the two others that arrived from the United States about four months ago. The five F-35 fighter jets are part of a deal brokered between the United States and Israel, in which the Jewish state is expected to receive a fleet of 50 such planes, with deliveries taking place over the course of the next few years. The advanced fighter jets, are designed to carry out special operations with a unique ability to fly over enemy territory without being identified by radars and are capable of carrying some 16 tons of bombs, missiles and fuel, upgrading Israel’s already superior air force in comparison to other regional powers.
Each of the American-built planes will undergo thorough testing and will be upgraded with Israeli technology, a procedure expected to last for about a year from the date of arrival, before becoming operational. According to the Israel Air Force, for the first time in history, the F-35 will participate in the country’s Independence Day aerial demonstration, scheduled for next week, providing the general public with a glimpse of the advanced aircraft.