The F-35 continues to unite allies around the world at exercises aimed to refine their skills and demonstrate the capabilities of the fifth-generation aircraft. Exercise Lightning Shield saw Israel and Italy’s air forces launch a joint fighter-jet drill in July 2022 at Nevatim Air Base, Israel that is a continuation of the Israeli exercises that focus on the fifth-generation fighters. During the exercise, Israel’s fleet of F-35I Adir airframes flew alongside Italy’s F-35As. It will improve the Adir’s operational capabilities while simultaneously strengthening cooperation with Israel’s allies. 

Lightning Shield 2022 (scramble.nl)