Israeli defense forces hosted a welcoming ceremony for the arrival of two Lockheed Martin-built F-35 fighters Monday at Nevatim Air Base in Israel, the Jerusalem Post reported Monday.
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said the F-35 aircraft, nicknamed Adir, will help redefine the country’s deterrence capacity as well as its operational space, according to the report by Anna Ahronheim.
“With the turmoil in the region, we are more dedicated than ever before to Israel’s security, and America’s pledge to defend Israel’s security remains unwavering,” Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said during his visit to Israel.
Israel is the first country to receive an F-35 outside of the U.S. and the delivered units are the first two of 50 aircraft the country ordered, Reuters reported Monday.
Ori Lewis writes the country looks to maintain two F-35 squadrons and has also signed a 10-year, $38 billion arms deal with the U.S.
