The first pair of ‘Adir’ (F-35I) stealth fighters landed in their new home, Nevatim Air Force Base, recently. The landing ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, the President of Israel Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin, the Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, the Chief of the General Staff Lt General Gadi Eizenkot, IAF Commander Major General Amir Eshel, heads of the involved military industries, the United States Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, US Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro, the President of Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson and delegates.

“Today, the fifth-generation revolution begins. The ‘Adir’ is about to become a powerful accelerator for the entire IAF”, said Major General Amir Eshel, IAF Commander. “We plan on leveraging our systemic abilities to new heights in attack and defence. Our aerial force will be much deadlier, combined and more relevant than ever”.

“The ‘Adir’ (F-35I) stealth fighters and pilots will be able to operate in every arena, near and far,” said Prime Minister Netanyahu. “Our goal is to obtain supremacy in every theatre: in the air, in the sea, on the ground and in the cyber arena. We build our force and sharpen our abilities in defence, attack, deterrence and decision. The ‘Adir’ jets will strengthen these abilities”.

US Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter, added: “As of today, Israel is our only friend in the region flying the F-35. F-35s will help the US and Israel Air Force operate more jointly and more effectively. Together, we will dominate the skies”.

“No jet, sophisticated and advanced as it may be, can decide the battles of the future alone. You are the wind under its wings, you are the people who will decide the battles”, said President Rivlin. Prime Minister Netanyahu added: “Israel is taking off to new heights, and when our pilots in the ‘Adir’ jets will fly high, we will watch them with pride”.