IDF receives additional 'Adir' fighters

The Air Force now has about 30 of the F-35 stealth fighters in three squadrons at the Nevatim Air Base

By Dan Arkin, Israel Defense, 09/27/2021

https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/51982

The 3 newly arrived F35A at Nevatim Air Base. Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

Three new F-35 'Adir' fighter planes landed on Sunday at the Nevatim Air Base in southern Israel, and the Air Force now has 30 stealth fighters made by Lockheed Martin, including a test plane at the Flight Testing Center of Tel Nof Air Base.

An IAF operational F35A #928 prepares to take off. Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

The Air Force currently operates three 'Adir' squadrons at Nevatim: the 140th ("Golden Eagle") squadron, the IAF's first squadron of F-35s; the 116th ("Lions of the South") squadron; and the 117th squadron.

An IAF operational F35A #928 prepares to take off. Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

F-35 planes worldwide have so far accumulated over 430,000 flight hours. The price for each plane is currently $77.9 million. The stealth fighters operate from 29 air bases in nine countries as well as from aircraft carriers. Over 1,460 pilots and 11,025 maintainers have been trained.