The F-35, one of the three candidates for the replacement of the Belgian F-16s (along with the Rafale and the Eurofighter), made its baptism of fire, but not with the US Air Force: "We made the very first operational strike of the F-35," said General Major Amikam Norkin, Chief of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), whom he describes as a "pioneer" in this area.
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| Lockheed Martin F-35I "Adir", the Israeli Air Force's improved version of the fighter-bomber. (Picture source: IAF) |