Israel to acquire third squadron of F-35 aircraft

Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant has approved the recommendation from IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Director General of the Israel Ministry of Defence Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir, and Commander of the Israeli Air Force Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar to procure the additional F-35 squadron for the IDF.

The Ministry of Defence will purchase a total of 25 F-35 aircraft from Lockheed Martin, manufactured with American government support. This acquisition will expand the Israeli Air Force’s fleet of the world’s most advanced stealth aircraft to a total of 75.

With the minister’s approval, the IMOD Mission to the USA will issue an official letter of request (LOR) to the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO), facilitating the transaction’s approval and signing in the coming months.

The deal, valued at approximately USD 3 billion, will be financed by American aid funds. As part of the original agreement, Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney have committed to involving Israeli defence industries in the production of aircraft components.

This new agreement ensures ongoing cooperation between American companies and Israeli defence industries in the production of aircraft parts.