27.05.2011                      23.Ijar, 5771                      Tag 38 des Omer

IAF:

IAF discussing sending pilots to US for F-35 training

In talks with Pentagon, Israel Air Force hoping to obtain approval to begin training in 2016; 20 jets to be delivered beginning 2017.

In an effort to obtain initial operational capability of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter as soon as possible, the Israel Air Force is in talks with the Pentagon regarding the possibility that Israeli pilots will begin training on the plane in the United States.
Last year, Israel signed a $2.75 billion deal to purchase 20 fifth-generation stealth JSFs. Under the original deal, Israel was to begin receiving the planes in 2015 but due to development delays, delivery will likely now begin in 2017….