TSAMTO, June 5th. On June 4, the Israeli Defense Ministry announced the signing of an agreement with the US authorities for the supply of a third squadron of fifth-generation F-35 Adir fighters.
The representative Office of the Israeli Ministry of Defense in the United States has officially signed a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) for the purchase of 25 Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft, including support and maintenance services. The document was signed by the head of the representative office, Brigadier General (retired) Michel Ben Baruch.
As planned, the delivery of aircraft will begin in 2028 and will be carried out at a rate of 3 to 5 units per year. After the completion of deliveries under this contract, the Israeli Air Force will be armed with 75 F-35 fighters.
The cost of the sale, which is funded by the Foreign Military Financing Program (FMF), is estimated at $3 billion. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney pledged to involve the Israeli industry in the production of F-35 aircraft for the Armed Forces of the United States and other countries.
According to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, "the purchase of the third F-35 squadron is evidence of the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States." According to him, "at a time when some opponents of Israel seek to undermine ties with the United States, we are only strengthening our alliance."
According to the Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Major General (retired) Eyal Zamira, the signing of the agreement on the third F-35 squadron initiated by the Israeli Defense Ministry before the outbreak of hostilities completes the procurement process, which was accelerated.
As reported by CAMTO, in September 2008, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress of the possible supply to Israel under the Foreign Military Sales program of 25 F-35A fighters in the conventional take-off and landing (ORP) version with an option for an additional purchase of 50 aircraft, as well as related with a contract for services and equipment. The total value of the sale was estimated at $15.2 billion.
An order for the supply of the first 19 F-35A fighters worth $2.75 billion under the Foreign Military Sales program. The Israeli Defense Ministry posted in October 2010. For economic reasons, it was decided to divide the second batch of aircraft into two tranches. On February 22, 2015, the Israeli Defense Ministry signed a contract worth $2.82 billion for the supply of 14 F-35A fighters, as well as related equipment and services. At the end of August 2017, an agreement was signed to purchase additional Adir, which increased the total number of F-35A purchased by Israel to 50 units. Their delivery should be completed in 2024.
The Israeli Air Force received the first F-35A in Fort Worth (pcs.Texas) on June 22, 2016. The first pair of F-35I landed at Nevatim Air Base on December 12, 2016. At the moment, the Israeli Air Force has delivered about 36 aircraft.
In July 2023, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant approved the purchase of a third batch of 25 F-35 Lightning 2 fighters, the total cost of which was estimated at $3 billion.
