Israel gets 25 more F-35 fighter jets in $3 billion deal financed by US
The F-35 incorporates technology sourced from Israeli companies. (Photo: US DoD)
Israel announced on 2 June that it will acquire 25 additional F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (JSF) through US Foreign Military Financing (FMF).
With the arrival of the new jets, the Israeli F-35 fleet will reach a total of 75 aircraft, forming a robust third squadron. Prior to this acquisition, 50 jets had been ordered, of which 36 are in active service.
Israel was the first country outside the US to acquire the F-35 and the first to have used the aircraft in combat, in 2018.
The Israeli MoD’s mission in the USA will issue an official letter of request (LOR)
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
Electric and hybrid aerial drone fleets are expanding their footprint
Advances in uncrewed aerial vehicles powered by renewable technologies are coming to the fore, with battery, hydrogen and solar propulsion challenging traditional fossil fuel-dependent models.
-
CH-47 Chinook: why the iconic helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender (updated 2026)
From its emergence as a ground-breaking design in the 1950s to its widespread deployment in diverse operations worldwide, the Chinook continues to leave an indelible mark on the aviation landscape. Shephard sums up the helicopter’s latest developments.
-
UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities
Project Nightfall and Project Octopus both fall under the Lyra programme, with UK industry working to develop and deliver additional missiles and drones to help bolster Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities against Russia.
-
How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense
Modern C-UAS solutions must detect threats early, integrate layered sensors, and deliver fast, scalable, adaptable defense against evolving drones.
-
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.