Purchase would bring the Israeli Air Force’s total number of F-35s to 75.
By United with Israel Staff
Israel is to move forward with the purchase from the US government of 25 F-35 fighter jets, Israel’s defense ministry said Sunday.
The purchase would expand Israel’s fleet of stealth fighter jets to 75 and would be Israel’s third squadron of the jets.
According to the ministry, the deal is estimated at 3 billion dollars, to be financed through US financial assistance.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant approved the purchase on the recommendation of IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.
The ministry added that plane manufacturer Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney have agreed to involve Israeli companies in the manufacture of F-35s sold to foreign countries.
“This new agreement will ensure the continuation of cooperation between American companies and Israeli defense industries in the production of aircraft parts,” the ministry said.
In April 2018, Israel became the first country to use F-35s in combat when an Israeli pilot opened fire on Iranian Army positions inside Syria.