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)
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
RAF Protector fleet grows as UK maritime surveillance role takes shape
The RAF’s expanding Protector RG1 fleet could play a growing role in UK maritime surveillance following its first domestic operational sorties, with further aircraft deliveries scheduled through 2027.
-
Leonardo details Proteus’s path to autonomous anti-submarine missions for the Royal Navy
Leonardo’s integration of Shield AI’s Hivemind software could enable its Proteus uncrewed helicopter to conduct independent anti-submarine warfare missions, supporting the Royal Navy’s plans for a future hybrid air wing.
-
Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production
By combining established manufacturing capacity with startup aircraft design, the partnership could offer an alternative approach to scaling military uncrewed aircraft production.
-
European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans
Poland is seeking to update its transport helicopters as part of a wider military aviation modernisation programme, with EU funding requirements and NATO interoperability key considerations.
-
Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships
Poland’s growing investment in UAVs highlights how recurring procurement contracts and continuous technological development can provide suppliers with sustained opportunities beyond initial acquisitions.