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
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.
CH-53K King Stallion
In the final days of 2021, the Israeli Ministry of Defense formally signed an agreement with the U.S. government for the purchase of 12 CH-53K helicopters, built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. The FMS agreement includes an option for the IAF to procure an additional six helicopters. The first helicopters are expected to be available in 2026. Israel’s Brigadier General Michel Ben Baruch signed the document at the IMOD’s mission in New York City.
With this deal, the Israeli Air Force becomes the first international customer to procure the brand-new heavy-lifters. The CH-53K King Stallions will support the IAF’s needs for at least 50 years, replacing the current fleet of CH-53D “Yasur” helicopters, which operate in the Israeli Air Force since 1969. The procurement of the CH-53Ks is part of the Israeli Defense Force’s large-scale plan to strengthen its forces in the face of existing and future threats.
The all-new CH-53K delivers modern state-of-the-art capabilities that result in improved survivability, safety, and reduced aircrew workload over its predecessor, making it the perfect fit for the demanding IAF mission. Also, with a reduction in support equipment footprint compared to the legacy fleet, the CH-53K will mean reduced operating costs.
The aircraft will be manufactured at Sikorsky headquarters in Stratford, Connecticut, leveraging the company’s digital build and advanced technology production processes.
F-16 Fighting Falcon
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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.
C-130J Super Hercules
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.
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.
Media Contacts:
Moti Shvimer
(+972) 52 687 9887
moti.shvimer@lmco.com
John Neilson
(+44) 207 979 8075
john.neilson@lmco.com
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