Israel buys a third squadron of F-35I Adir

The Israeli government approved funding for acquiring a third squadron of Lockheed Martin F-35I Adir stealth fighter aircraft.

The deal, financed through the defence aid package Israel receives from the US, is valued at USD 3,0 billion and will bring the number of Adirs in service with the Heyl Ha’Avir (IAF, Israeli Air Force) to 75 aircraft.

The new unit to operate the F-35I will be 117 Tayeset The First Jet Squadron/Tayeset Ha'Silon Ha'Rishona. Currently this unit is still a training unit and loans aircraft from the other two Adir squadrons, 116 Tayeset The Southern Lions Squadron and 140 Tayeset The Golden Eagle Squadron, both at Nevatim Air Base.

In July 2021, the IAF established this third F-35I squadron at Nevatim. The main focus of this new squadron is the training of future Adir pilots.

Photo by João Toste Aviation Photography