Israel Air Force expected to receive additional 25 F-35 fighter jets
The Israel Air Force is expected to receive an additional squadron of American F-35 fighter jets after Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant submitted a formal request to Washington and the American manufacturer, aerospace giant Lockheed Martin.
Beginning in 2027, the Israeli Air Force is expected to receive three new aircraft per year, eventually meeting its goal of expanding its F-35 fleet to 75 aircraft.
U.S. military aid to Israel will finance the deal, reportedly worth some $3 billion.
Unlike Israel’s F16 and F-15 fighter jets, the new F-35 aircraft has stealth capabilities that allow it to evade enemy radar systems. In addition, the new aircraft is reportedly able to evade the Russian-produced S-300 anti-missile defense system currently being deployed around Iran’s key nuclear sites. By comparison, F-15 and F-16 jets would have greater difficulty evading these sophisticated Russian aerial defense systems.
Joshua (Shiki) Shani, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Israel, said the new squadron will enhance the Israeli Air Force’s critical 5th generation stealth capabilities in the combustible Middle East region.
“The Israeli Air Force has proven its capabilities in critical operation with the 116 and 140 Squadrons, and we are looking forward to building on this strong performance. With a combination of stealth, sensor fusion and electronic warfare, the 5th Generation F-35 will ensure the Israeli Air Force stays ahead of current and evolving threats,” stated Shani.
The F-35 fighter jet is becoming the future aerial platform for many Western Air Force bases. However, Israel is possibly the only nation that has so far deployed F-35 jets in conflict zones.
In August 2022, the Saudi-run news outlet Elaph reported that Israeli F-35 fighter jets had made several incursions into Iranian airspace, likely testing Iranian aerial defense systems ahead of a potential Israeli strike on Tehran’s nuclear sites.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
