Israel was the first country, apart from the United States, to obtain an advanced F-35 aircraft
Israel has given the green light for the acquisition of a third squadron of F-35 stealth fighter jets in a deal worth $3 billion, as announced by the Ministry of Defense on Sunday. With this purchase, Israel's air force will have a total of 75 F-35s, further bolstering its capabilities. The financing for the deal will be covered through the defense aid package provided by the United States to Israel.
Notably, Israel was the first country, apart from the United States, to obtain an advanced F-35 aircraft. In fact, back in May 2018, the Israeli air force chief highlighted that Israel was the first nation to utilize the F-35 in combat operations. Known as the "Adir" (Mighty) in Hebrew, the F-35, also referred to as the Joint Strike Fighter, has been instrumental in enhancing Israel's aerial capabilities.
As part of the agreement, Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney have committed to involving Israeli defense companies in the production of aircraft components. This collaboration serves to strengthen Israel's defense industry and foster technological partnerships in the manufacturing of the F-35 fleet.
The procurement of these additional F-35 stealth jets underscores Israel's continuous efforts to maintain a robust and modern air force, ensuring its ability to effectively address evolving security challenges in the region.
