As F-35 Lightning stealth fighters from the US, UK, Italy and Israel test their combat skills in the skies over Italy during Exercise Falcon Strike, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) is marking a milestone with the first overseas deployment of the aircraft since it entered service.
According to a June 7 release from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), Falcon Strike will run from June 6-17 and simulate various aerial scenarios, including air-to-air combat, aerial strikes, countering surface-to-air missile battery threats, air support to ground forces, and other scenarios simulating the challenges in operating in a contested environment.
The IAF deployed to Amendola Airbase in Italy with six F-35 'Adir' fighter jets, two Boeing 707 'Re'em' tankers and a G550 'Nachshon Eitam' control aircraft. In addition to the US, UK and Italian F-35 aircraft, with the UK operating the STOVL B variant, an Italian B-767 tanker, KC-130J and US F-16s will also take part.