Special to WorldTribune.com

TEL AVIV — The Israel Air Force has launched the construction of a base for its forthcoming Joint Strike Fighter.

The air force laid the cornerstone for the F-35A base at the Nevatim base near Beersheba. The facility was designed to contain a squadron, or about 25 JSF fighter-jets from Lockheed Martin.

“This is a very important event in IAF history,” Nevatim base commander Brig. Gen. Eliyahu Hacohen said. “It strengthens our deterrence.”

The cornerstone ceremony took place in mid-November for a facility that would include simulators for JSF. Officers said the base would also contain hardened aircraft shelter to withstand an enemy attack.

Israel has ordered 19 F-35As in a deal estimated at $2.7 million. The air force has sought to acquire another 31 fifth-generation fighter-jets from Lockheed Martin.

“We call the F-35 project a ‘mega project’ because unlike other projects of its kind, it holds 20 different projects, each with its own constraints,” the air force director of F-35 infrastructure, identified only as Lt. Col.
Lior, said.

Officers said the air force would first construct the squadron and simulator buildings. They said the air force has already nominated a commander of the first JSF squadron, identified as Lt. Col. Yotam.

“It is obvious we’re changing our operational perception,” Yotam said. “The founding team will have to be creative. Laying the cornerstone is an important milestone for this massive project.”

  F-35, Israel lays cornerstone for JSF base, Lockheed Martin, WorldTribune.com