Air Force Commander Claims The Jet Has Been Used Twice In Combat

The F-35 Lightning II has been used for the first time to carry out airstrikes, according to Israeli Air Force Commander Major General Amikam Norkam.

Newsweek relays a report from The Times of Israel which indicates that Maj. Gen. Norkin announced the strikes during a conference of visiting air force leaders. He said the 5th generation multi-role fighters have been used in two separate strikes on two fronts in recent weeks.

Israel took delivery of its first F-35s in 2016, and declared the airplanes operational in 2017. In Israel, the aircraft are designated "Adir", which means "Mighty One" in Hebrew. "The Adir aircraft are already operational and flying missions. We are the first in the world to carry out operational strikes with the F-35,” Norkin said. "The Israeli Air Force has twice carried out strikes with the F-35, on two different fronts. We are flying the F-35 all over the Middle East,” Norkin said.

Norkin did not specify where the strikes had taken place.

Israel has placed orders for 50 of the jets to be delivered through 2024. At least nine have been delivered. The country has options for as many as 50 additional aircraft.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original report