According to news reports Tuesday, Israel has placed a preliminary order to purchase another squadron of F-35 Joint Strike Force fighters made by Lockheed Martin from the United States.
Israel bought 19 F-35s for $2.75 billion in 2010, a deal that included options for up to 75 planes. Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon, visiting the United States last week, placed a preliminary order for about 25 more F-35s, the defense sources said without elaborating on cost.
The first batch of planes is scheduled to arrive in Israel between 2016 and 2018, the sources said, noting that the second purchase needs final approval by an Israeli government panel.
According to Reuters, Lockheed and engine-maker Pratt and Whitney are seeking to lower the production cost of the plane, which could allow Israel to purchase up to 31 of the fighters. The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program includes technical contributions from Israeli companies Elbit Systems Ltd. and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Infrastructure is already being built at the Nevatim airbase, where the aircraft are to be housed. The air force says that in the coming year it will begin establishing the new squadron, with the training of Israeli air crews to follow.
The air force has said that it wanted another F-35 squadron. Senior air force officials said that the new fighter jet, known as the Adir in the IDF, will sharply strengthen the air force’s capabilities. The general staff also supported the proposal.
The agreement was concluded between American Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon. Next week Pentagon officials “will visit Israel to inaugurate production of the F-35 wings.” Last year IAI signed a $2.5 billion contract to produce the wings for the latest version of the fighter.
[Photo: U. S. Air Force Photo / WikiCommons ]