ISRAEL HAYOM
After F-35 makes aliyah, it will get new Israeli identity
by Aharon Lapidot
May 2, 2016

The development of the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter has been the subject of widespread criticism over performance issues, but the Israeli Air Force has already made extensive preparations to welcome the next-generation aircraft, which will be known as the Adir. 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. After the first two F-35 aircraft arrive in Israel on Dec. 12, they will get new made-in-Israel C4 systems (C4 stands for Command, Control, Communications, Computers). This step is designed to meet the Defense Ministry requirement that all Israeli aircraft have unique electronic systems. The Israeli systems are tailor-made for the IAF’s requirements, giving it a technological edge and the element of surprise. READ MORE