"Israel's F-35I Combat Experience: Insights for the Pacific's Future Battles"
Israel's successful sustainment of its fleet of F-35I Adir stealth fighters during combat operations against Hamas is providing valuable lessons for the United States, particularly in preparing for a potential conflict in the Pacific. The U.S. military has concerns about sustaining its F-35 Joint Strike Fighters during wartime, as the current 'just-in-time' logistics model may not be sufficient. Israel's high mission capable rates and its ability to quickly turn around aircraft have impressed U.S. officials. The U.S. has provided surge support to Israel, but the Israeli Air Force has also developed its own sustainment and upgrade system, allowing it to avoid some of the issues faced by the American military. Lessons learned from Israel's F-35 operations will be crucial in preparing for the challenges of sustaining the F-35s in the Pacific.