The IDF Spokesman said that the “Tri-Lightning” exercise was completed on June 25, 2019.

This was an exercise led by the American Air Force and with the participation of the British Air Force (RAF) and the Israeli Air Force (IAF).

The exercise took place during the IAF week, marking 71 years since the establishment of the IAF.

The international air training of Israeli F-35s and foreign F-35s took place for the first time since Israel received the advanced fighter planes from the United States.

The exercise took place over the Mediterranean Sea and practiced coping and defense scenarios against changing threats with advanced fighter aircraft, including the F-35.

The IAF statement read: “We emphasize that the exercise was designed as part of the training graph and constitutes a unique opportunity for the joint training of the 5th generation combat aircraft, enabling cooperation between the corps and the development of joint capabilities.

“The Air Force maintains and continues to hold significant international training to strengthen future military cooperation, with an emphasis on advancing the F-35 capabilities”.

Brigadier-General Amnon Ein-Dar said: “The exercise that took place was the first international F35 exercise, reflecting the close cooperation between the forces. International cooperation between Israel, the US and Britain reinforces common interests and new and exclusive capabilities in the Middle East”.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)