The first two Adir jets landed in Israel in December of 2016, and in the last months that have passed, the “Golden Eagle” Squadron has clocked dozens of flight hours on the advanced fighters. In this period, the squadron focused on training flights and flights intended to test the jet’s capability. Maj. Yuval, Adir test pilot, explained that when the acquisition deal was signed the manufacturers said, as they did to all other buyers, that they recommend we test the aircraft. “As the aircraft is a final product, we do not test it in order to change it, but in order to examine and acquaint ourselves with its capabilities”.

In total, the Israeli Government has agreed upon the procurement of about 50 F-35I aircraft.

Throughout the past year, the stealth fighter underwent a series of tests and experiments in which the IAF learned to operate the new platform such as live munition fire and aerial refueling. Next month, the squadron will undergo a fitness inspection in which the IAF’s stealth fighters’ capabilities and readiness will be validated. Upon the completion of the inspection, the Adir will become operational.

(Source: IAF/Carmel Stern)