The U.S. Department of War announced the agreement on October 15. All work will be performed in the United States and completed by the end of 2030.
The foreign customer is financing the contract through the Foreign Military Sales program. The full $19 million was committed at signing.
The award continues an existing modification effort. The announcement did not identify the recipient or disclose which systems would be added to the aircraft.
Israel is considered the likely customer because of its authorization to introduce nationally tailored changes to the F-35. That connection remains unconfirmed.
The Israeli F-35I Adir integrates domestic communications and electronic warfare systems, with adaptations for Israeli-made weapons. U.S. authorities have also approved modifications to the central mission computer’s software.
Israel has ordered 75 F-35Is through Foreign Military Sales, with most acquisition funding provided through the U.S. Foreign Military Financing program. Aircraft already delivered have flown numerous combat missions across the Middle East.
An Israeli F-35I has also been credited with shooting down an Iranian Yak-130 aircraft. The newly announced contract does not disclose whether its modifications relate to any of those operational roles.
