Israel Air Force (IAF) pilots made the maiden flight today on the two new F-35Is that arrived yesterday. The American pilots that brought the two jets (#901 and #902) will stay in Israel for a while to help train the local pilots. These pilots went through flight training at Luke air force base in the USA but did not fly the actual planes. Photo: IDF Spokesman

The two F-35s were escorted by F-16I Sufa fighters. No. 140 squadron, the IAF first F-35 fighter squadron is expected to achieve initial operational capability in few months and have nine operational jets within a year. Photo: IDF Spokesman