The deal will cost about US$ 3 billion from the U.S. military aid to Israel, with the first three aircraft to be delivered in 2027.
The procurement delegation of Israel’s Defense Ministry in the U.S. has sent a formal Letter of Request to the U.S. F-35 Program Office for the acquisition of 25 stealth F-35 fighters from the U.S. government.
+ The 5 Most Numerous Fighter Jets in the World
+ Cardboard Drone, Corvo PPDS, is Being Used in Ukraine
+ Video: Russia conducts military drills with MiG-31 fighters on the border with the United States
The move comes two months after Defense Minister Yoav Gallant approved the Defense Ministry and IDF’s recommendation to purchase the combat jets from Lockheed Martin. When the acquisition of the third F-35 squadron is complete, Israel will have a total of 75 of the fifth-generation stealth jets.
The deal will cost about US$ 3 billion from the U.S. military aid to Israel, with the first three aircraft to be delivered in 2027 and then at a rate of three F-35s each year thereafter.
As part of the original agreement between the Israeli and American governments, the aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt Whitney agreed that Israeli manufacturers would be involved in producing parts for the aircraft.
This collaboration will be especially beneficial for the Israeli defense electronics firm Elbit Systems, which manufactures displays and helmets for the F-35 aircraft.
The helmet produced by Elbit is considered a global technological leader, providing pilots with advanced combat capabilities.
+ See 5 tanks in use for over 70 years
+ Woman has leg amputated after contracting flesh-eating bacteria in the Bahamas
