Story highlights Bad weather in Italy delays the multimillion-dollar planes by more than six hours

The jet has been labeled the most expensive weapons program in history

Nevatim Air Base, Israel (CNN) A major ceremony celebrating the arrival of two cutting-edge F-35 stealth jets intended to demonstrate the bond between the United States and Israel was delayed by several hours Monday due to their inability to take off in bad weather.

US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter welcomed the delivery of two F-35 fighter aircraft to Israel, making it the first country outside the United States to receive the advance aircraft.

"There's no better symbol of the US commitment to Israel's security than the F-35, the most capable aircraft in the skies," Carter declared.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin also attended.

"The plane that will land here will change the rules of the game," Rivlin said at the ceremony. "In our region you cannot be second."

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