Israel will take delivery of its third batch of F-35s.
The Times of Israel reported on September 13, 2017 that a pair of F-35 fighter jets took off from the U.S. earlier that day, to be delivered to Israel. The planes in Israeli service are known as the F-35I ‘Adir’.
The jets should land in Israel some time this week, possibly even on Thursday, according to The Times of Israel.
Israel was due to receive the jets last week, but a technical issue delayed the transfer.
Israel finalized an agreement last month to purchase 17 more F-35s, bringing its total order to 50. The country has received two batches so far, with five F-35s currently in the country. Another delivery, the fourth batch, reportedly will occur before the end of the year.
Israel is currently working on bringing the jets into operational service, which involves integrating Israeli systems on board, and expects that the first F-35Is will be operational by the end of 2017.
33 jets are expected to be delivered by 2021 and the remaining 17 will arrive before the end of 2024.
Military markets analyst, covering Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa.
