Israeli F-35i Lightning II fighters escorted American B-52 Stratofortress nuclear bombers as they returned from the Persian Gulf

Last week, the Israeli Air Force took F-35i Lightning II fighters into the sky to escort American B-52 Stratofortresses.

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The United States sent B-52 Stratofortress nuclear bombers into the Persian Gulf to demonstrate force to Iran. Returning to base, the planes entered Israeli airspace, where they began to be escorted by fifth-generation F-35i Lightning II fighters.

The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that the flight took place as part of the growing cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli militaries is an important component of the state's national security. Notably, the F-35i was used for the first time to escort American aircraft. Israel had previously used F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-15 Eagle fighters for this purpose.

Source: The Times of Israel