The first two F-35 jets purchased from the US are expected in Israel on Monday, and will land at the Nevatim Air Base in southern Israel where a reception ceremony will be held.
The two will be the first of 50 aircraft that Israel has agreed to purchase from US giant Lockheed-Martin.
The stealth fighters set out from one of the company’s Texas locations this week, making a stop near Portugal, and will land in Italy for the weekend before setting out for Israel on Monday morning, Ynet news reported Thursday.
The Israel Defense Forces sent out a video from one of the American pilots flying the jet, known in Hebrew as the “Adir,” meaning mighty or great, who congratulated the Jewish state on its expected receipt of the aircraft.
“It’s a historic moment for you, for the world, and specifically the region, on receiving this jet,” said the pilot who said he goes by the name “Animal.”