Skip to main content

Intel: US Air Force trains with Israel’s newest F-35 squadron

Exercise Lightning III focused on offensive air operations involving simulated enemy aircraft and ground targets.
GettyImages-1181925690.jpg

US and Israeli F-35 fighter aircraft took to the skies over southern Israel this week for the third such combined training exercise this year.

The exercise, Enduring Lightning III, involved Israeli and US variants of the stealth F-35 Joint Strike Fighter conducting simulated combat with mock ground and air targets, the US Air Force said in a statement.

US expeditionary air squadrons out of Utah and Qatar’s al-Udeid Air Base took part in this week’s exercise, along with a KC-10 extender and a KC-135 Stratotanker, which conducted midair refueling.

This installment of Enduring Lightning III also involved Israel’s second and newest F-35 unit, the 116th combat squadron, dubbed the “Lions of the South” and declared operational in August. Israeli F-16s from the Israeli air force’s 115th Squadron also served as mock enemy fighters during the drills.

Israel was the first country to join the United States’ F-35 program, and has planned to buy up to 50 of the aircraft in the years to come.

Why it matters: Monday’s exercise was the latest sign the Pentagon sees expanding Israel’s offensive air capabilities as a primary means to check Iran’s ambitions in the region.

The US Air Force most recently trained with Israeli F-35s over Israel in August and March.

This week’s training comes in the wake of a failed US push for a renewal of the international arms embargo on Iran at the United Nations.

The coronavirus pandemic forced the Pentagon to postpone a number of other multinational exercises this year, including Operation Bright Star, which is typically held in Egypt. But the United States and Israel have continued to train with the F-35.

What’s next: Israel continues to hit suspected Iranian targets in Syria and first christened its F-35 in a combat strike over the war-torn country in 2018. So far there is no sign such strikes will abate anytime soon.

The United States and Israel accuse Iran of exploiting the vacuum of Syria’s civil war to attempt to move weapons systems to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Know more: After reports that the Trump administration offered the United Arab Emirates the F-35 in as part of a deal to recognize Israel, Qatar is now said to be requesting the Joint Strike Fighter.

Join hundreds of Middle East professionals with Al-Monitor PRO.

Business and policy professionals use PRO to monitor the regional economy and improve their reports, memos and presentations. Try it for free and cancel anytime.

Already a Member? Sign in

Free

The Middle East's Best Newsletters

Join over 50,000 readers who access our journalists dedicated newsletters, covering the top political, security, business and tech issues across the region each week.
Delivered straight to your inbox.

Free

What's included:
Our Expertise

Free newsletters available:

  • The Takeaway & Week in Review
  • Middle East Minute (AM)
  • Daily Briefing (PM)
  • Business & Tech Briefing
  • Security Briefing
  • Gulf Briefing
  • Israel Briefing
  • Palestine Briefing
  • Turkey Briefing
  • Iraq Briefing
Expert

Premium Membership

Join the Middle East's most notable experts for premium memos, trend reports, live video Q&A, and intimate in-person events, each detailing exclusive insights on business and geopolitical trends shaping the region.

$25.00 / month
billed annually

Become Member Start with 1-week free trial
What's included:
Our Expertise AI-driven

Memos - premium analytical writing: actionable insights on markets and geopolitics.

Live Video Q&A - Hear from our top journalists and regional experts.

Special Events - Intimate in-person events with business & political VIPs.

Trend Reports - Deep dive analysis on market updates.

Text Alerts - Be the first to get breaking news, exclusives, and PRO content.

All premium Industry Newsletters - Monitor the Middle East's most important industries. Prioritize your target industries for weekly review:

  • Capital Markets & Private Equity
  • Venture Capital & Startups
  • Green Energy
  • Supply Chain
  • Sustainable Development
  • Leading Edge Technology
  • Oil & Gas
  • Real Estate & Construction
  • Banking

We also offer team plans. Please send an email to pro.support@al-monitor.com and we'll onboard your team.

Already a Member? Sign in

Start your PRO membership today.

Join the Middle East's top business and policy professionals to access exclusive PRO insights today.

Join Al-Monitor PRO Start with 1-week free trial