Israel to buy 25 F-35 fighter jets from US in $3 billion deal

Middle East, News, US July 4, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

Israel’s Ministry of Defense has announced a new $3 billion agreement with the United States for the acquisition of 25 F-35 fighter jets. The completion of the latest procurement would bolster Israel’s existing fleet of F-35 jets to 75.

Israel’s defense ministry released a joint statement with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on July 2, 2023, stating that the latest deal is valued at an estimated $3 billion. The statement added that the deal would be financed through the defense aid package that Israel receives from the United States.

The statement also highlighted that Lockheed Martin and F-35 engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney have agreed to involve Israeli defense companies in the production of aircraft components. “This new agreement will ensure the continuation of cooperation between American companies and Israeli defense industries in the production of aircraft parts,” it said.

Israel was the first foreign country to receive the U.S.-made F-35 Lightening II fighter jets in 2016 and one of the very few countries that have been allowed to modify the jets. Israeli Air Force currently operates a fleet of 36 active F-35s while 24 units are already under production. After confirming 25 additional units for its fleet, the Israeli Air Force has become the second largest operator of the F-35 fighter jets outside the U.S., surpassed only by Japan which has 150 active and ordered units.

CEO of Lockheed Martin Israel Joshua Shani lauded the latest deal by saying that the company was “honored that the Israeli government has announced its intent to purchase additional F-35s.” he said that “the Israeli Air Force has proven its capabilities in critical operations with the 116th and 140th squadrons, and we are looking forward to building on this strong performance.”

F-35 fighter jets

F-35 is a single-seat, single-engine stealth multirole combat aircraft. The fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet has seen immense popularity amid the changing global security dynamics, particularly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

*^{Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet. (Image Credit: Australian Department of Defence/Lockheed Martin)}*

The stealth aircraft has become one of the most desired military products recently for its offensive and stealth capabilities as well as its ability to connect its systems with other aircraft and form an information-sharing network.

Last week, the U.S. Department of State approved Czech Republic’s request to acquire F-35 fighter jets along with ammunition and other associated equipment in a deal that is worth up to $5.6 billion. The Czech Republic is one of the many European countries that have been lining up to purchase multiple units of F-35 fighter jets.