Israel inaugurates squadron of F-35i stealth fighter jets
Xinhua
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This June, 2017, photo shows Japan Air Self-Defense Force's F-35A stealth jet at a factory of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, in Toyoyama, central Japan. (Photo: AP)

JERUSALEM, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military inaugurated a second squadron of F-35i stealth fighter jets on Thursday .

The squadron, named "Lions of the South," was officially launched in a ceremony in the Nevatim air force base in southern Israel.

The "Lions of the South" has joined the "Golden Eagle," Israel's first squadron of F-35i fighter jets, which was established in 2016 and became operational in December 2017.

"The Air Force carries a great deal of responsibility every day," Israeli Air Force Commander Amikam Norkin said during the ceremony, according to a statement issued by the military.

The second squadron is "becoming part of the strategic arm, part of our qualitative advantage over our enemies," Norkin said.

The F-35i, or "Adir" which means "mighty" in Hebrew, is manufactured by the US-headquartered Lockheed Martin Corporation.

The military considers the capabilities of "Adir" as part of the multi-layer operational and strategic doctrine of the Israeli Air Force. It "ensures its superiority in all missions, most importantly the defense of Israeli airspace and its security," the statement said.

Over the past year, the "Adir" jets participated in several international exercises in cooperation with foreign armies and air forces.

Israel has agreed to purchase 50 F-35i jets, of which 20 have already been delivered to Israel.