Lockheed Martin is proud of the significant role it has fulfilled in the security of the State of Israel.
Our C-130 and F-16 aircraft have been faithfully serving the Israel Air Force since the 1970s and 1980s, and when a Letter of Agreement was signed in October 2010, Israel became the first country to select the F-35 through the United States government's Foreign Military Sales process.
We also believe in strengthening the industries and individuals that will fuel future growth for Israel. By delivering on industrial commitments with Israeli companies, we bolster advanced technology and local research and development. Our stewardship of STEM, in collaboration with key government Ministries, inspires the scientists and technology professionals of tomorrow.
Innovation and Performance
Featured Programs
F-35 Lightning II
"ADIR"
The world’s only international 5th Generation multirole fighter.
Conceived in the mid 1990s, the tri-variant F-35 represents the pinnacle of more than 50 years of fighter development technology. Designed to dominate the skies, the F-35 combines the 5th Generation characteristics of radar evading stealth, supersonic speed and extreme agility with the most powerful and comprehensive integrated sensor package of any fighter aircraft in history.
On June 22, 2016, the Israeli Air Force received the first F-35A Adir for Israel at a ceremony at the Fort Worth, Texas, F-35 factory. The Israeli Air Force declared its F-35 fleet operationally capable in December 2017, marking the completion of an intensive integration and training effort conducted at Nevatim AFB, Israel.
The Israeli Air Force gave the F-35 the Hebrew name Adir, meaning "Mighty One" in Hebrew.
C-130J Super Hercules
"SHIMSHON"
The most proven. And still proving it.
The first Hercules C-130H arrived in Israel in October 1971. The C-130E/H - or the Rhinoceros - as it is affectionately known in this country, earned its glory in Operation Entebbe, to rescue hostages from Uganda. It took part in countless humanitarian missions and special operations and in the collection of the Jewish Diaspora, as the Jews of Ethiopia were airlifted to Israel as part of Operation Solomon.
The new C-130J "Shimshon" is continuing the impressive legacy set by the Hercules squadrons over more than 40 years of service. There is no aircraft in aviation history — either developed or under development — that can match the flexibility, versatility and relevance of the C-130 Hercules. With more than one million hours of flying combat, humanitarian, special operations, aerial refueling, firefighting, and search and rescue missions around the world, the C-130J stands ready for its next mission and for whatever the future holds for Israel.
F-16 Fighting Falcon
The world's second largest fleet of Fighting Falcons.
The F-16 has been the most important fighter jet in the Israel Air Force for nearly 35 years. Since the arrival of the very first F-16A/B Falcon fighters in 1980, the F-16 has proven its worth in numerous prestigious operations and has respectfully earned a prominent position in the Air Force. Over the years, the Air Force has ordered additional groups of more advanced F-16 fighters, such as the F-16C/D Barak and lastly the F-16I Sufa.
Lockheed Martin has supplied the Israel Air Force with 102 two-seater F-16I Sufa fighters, of a model specially adapted for Israel. The first Sufa fighters arrived in February 2004 and the entire quantity that was ordered was delivered within five years. Due to these acquisitions, Israel became the owner of the largest fleet of F-16 fighters outside the United States.
Recent Milestones
Announcements
Marillyn Hewson, former Chairman, President and CEO of Lockheed Martin inaugurates the Lockheed Martin Israel Demonstration Center in Tel Aviv (2018)
“The Lockheed Martin Israel Demonstration Center is a symbol of our commitment to innovation and partnership here in this country,” said Hewson. “With this Center we will be able to connect Israeli leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to Lockheed Martin’s global network of researchers as well as highlight the integrated capabilities and economic benefits we are bringing to the State of Israel."
IAI Inaugurates New Line for F-35 Wing Skins
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has launched a new production line for skins for the F-35 wings. The line was established following Lockheed Martin’s decision to expand the skins’ production and its selection of IAI as the subcontractor responsible for the manufacturing.
Additional Information
Media Contacts:
Moti Shvimer
(+972) 52 687 9887
[email protected]
John Neilson
(+44) 207 979 8075
[email protected]