Israel is reaching out to the United States for approval to acquire its third squadron of American F-35 fighter jets, according to reports in the Israeli media. General Yoav Galant, Israel’s Minister of Defense, has green-lighted the procurement, aiming to meet the operational requirements of the Israeli military.
i24NEWS reported that the Israeli Defense Ministry has formally submitted a request to the United States for the purchase. The request encompasses an order of 25 Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft, complete with ongoing support and maintenance packages. According to Israel Defense Magazine, the delivery of these state-of-the-art aircraft will commence in 2027, with three planes arriving annually. The deal is estimated to be worth around $3 billion and will be financed through U.S. aid funds.
As of now, Lockheed Martin has manufactured more than 875 F-35s. About 1,845 pilots are qualified to fly them, and their bases are spread across 36 countries worldwide, according to the American aerospace company.
The pending acquisition is a salient feature in the ever-evolving U.S.-Israel defense relationship. These fifth-generation fighters are not just an upgrade to Israel’s military capabilities but also symbolize the strong alliance between the two nations. This move comes amidst increasing tensions in the Middle East, where advanced military capabilities could play a decisive role. Israel already owns F-35s and has often touted its advantage in air superiority. Adding more F-35s to its fleet would significantly boost its operational efficacy and tactical advantage in a region that is becoming increasingly volatile.
