Israel, US sign agreement for 25 more F-35 fighter jets
Israel signed a deal with the United States to procure a third squadron of 25 x F-35 stealth fighter jets from Lockheed Martin.
The $3 billion deal is being financed through U.S. military aid to Israel.
At a time when some of our adversaries seek to undermine our ties with our greatest ally, we further strengthen our alliance” and “that is a powerful message to our enemies in the region ,” the Israeli Defense Minister said in a statement. , Yoav Gallant , when announcing the acquisition.
This will bring Israel’s total F-35 fleet to 75.
Israel is the only Middle East nation with F-35s, the world’s most advanced fighter which is stealth capable and can be used to gather intelligence, strike deep into enemy territory and engage in air duels.
In May 2018, Israel’s military said it had become the first country to use F-35s in combat.