Israel's first F-35 stealth fighters set for landing

Nevatim Air Base : Israel's first F-35 stealth fighters arrive in the country on Monday, with officials touting them as ultra-high-tech planes that will allow it to maintain military dominance in the Middle East.

The first two of 50 F-35s to be purchased by Israel from US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin were due to arrive at Nevatim air base in the country's south.

In a sign of the importance being placed on the event, US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter is to attend the arrival, expected around 2:00 pm (1200 GMT), along with his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

While other countries have ordered the planes, Israel -- which receives more than $3 billion a year in US defence aid -- says it will be the first with an operational F-35 squadron outside the United States.

It is the most expensive plane in history, and while the technology can seem dazzling, it has been criticised for cost overruns and earlier flaws.

Israel however says it will be key to its military's future. 

"The F-35 constitutes another element allowing us to maintain our aerial superiority in the region," Lieberman said in a statement.

"A powerful air force signals a powerful Israeli military, and a powerful Israeli military signals a strong Israel."

Israel has given its F-35s the name "Adir" -- which means "mighty" in Hebrew. Its first planes are expected to be operational within a year after delivery.

It will be receiving the F-35A model for standard takeoff and landings. The B and C models are for short takeoffs and aircraft carriers.

Israeli components will be integrated in the plane, which will be known as the F-35I.