TEL AVIV (TIP): Israel on May 1 showed off its new F-35 stealth fighter jets recently delivered from the United States as part of an air show marking its annual Independence Day celebrations.

Three of Israel’s five stealth fighters took to the skies along the Mediterranean coast off Tel Aviv as thousands of people gathered at the waterfront to watch.

The F-35s, made by US-based Lockheed Martin, were the highlight of the show, which marked 69 years of Israeli independence.

Israel has received the initial five jets since December with the aim of allowing it to maintain its military superiority in the turbulent Middle East, particularly regarding its arch-foe Iran.

It plans to purchase a total of 50 F-35s. Its first jets are to be operational this year.

While other countries have ordered the planes, Israel – which receives more than USD 3 billion a year in US defence aid – says it will be the first outside the United States with an operational F-35 squadron. Among its main features are advanced stealth capabilities to help pilots evade sophisticated missile systems. The pilot’s ultra-high-tech helmet, at a cost of about $400,000 each, includes its own operating system, with data that appears on the visor and is also shared elsewhere.

Thermal and night vision as well as 360-degree views are possible with cameras mounted on the plane. (AFP)