The first F-35 «Adir» stealth fighter jet that will become part of the Israeli Air Force nearing completion.
On June 22, the first Israel-bound F-35 will be christened at the Lockheed Martin plant at Fort Worth, Texas.
Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon will lead the Israeli delegation at that ceremony, which will include senior Israeli officers and Defense Ministry officials.
The F-35 is a Joint Strike Fighter jet, which is a fifth generation stealth fighter jet.
The Defense Ministry has purchased so far 33 “type A” F-35’s, which allow for regular takeoff and landing procedures. Each plane costs $110 million, bringing the total up to over 3 billion shekel. The purchase deal was originally signed in 2010.
The first two planes will land in Israel during 2016, and the Air Force is currently preparations to receive them. The remainder of the planes will be delivered to Israel by the end of the year 2021.