The first two Lockheed F-35As for the Israeli Air Force arrived at Lajes Air Base in the Azores on December 06, 2016.
The aircraft wore serials 901 "Retro11" and 902 "Retro12" and were supported by US Air Force KC-135R 64-14836 "Blue71".
A total of 33 aircraft are currently on order for the Israeli Air Force and a unit has already been established at Luke Air Force Base to train pilots and maintenance crews. The aircraft will be known as the F-35I Adir in Israeli service.