Fort Worth, TX – Congresswoman Kay Granger released the following statement after Israel took delivery of its first pair of F-35I Adir fighters.

“Israel is a critical ally and it is fitting that Israel will be the first country in the Middle East to operate the F-35,” Granger said. “This fifth-generation stealth fighter is what we need to keep our two countries safe in these dangerous times. I want to congratulate the Israeli Air Force and the talented workers of Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, on this historic occasion. Today’s delivery is an important step in maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge and air superiority in the Middle East and gives further proof of the strong, unbreakable bond our two countries share.”

A leading advocate for Israel and strengthening the U.S. – Israel relationship, Granger was recognized for her role in helping get the 10-year, $38 billion memorandum of understanding (MOU) that was signed on September 14th completed. This agreement enables Israel to purchase key U.S. systems, including the F-35.

Granger was also recently presented the Henry M. Scoop Jackson Distinguished Service Award by the Jewish Institute of National Security Affairs, and was invited to join the Presidential Delegation to Jerusalem for the funeral service of former President of Israel, Shimon Peres.