Israel has approved the purchase of a third squadron of F-35 stealth jets from United States (US) in a deal worth $3 billion.
These additional 25 fighter aircrafts manufactured by Lockheed Martin will bring the number of F-35s in Israel’s air force to 75.
Also, Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney have agreed to involve Israeli defence companies in the production of aircraft components
Worth mentioning, as per the Israeli Defence Ministry, the deal will be financed through the defense aid package Israel receives from the United States.
Notably, Israel was the first country outside the United States to acquire the F-35, and remains the only country in the Middle East to have the fifth-generation fighter jet in its arsenal.
The US provides Israel with $3.80 Billion in military aid every year, allowing Israel to use US government-approved financing to obtain major US manufactured defence systems.
About F-35 stealth jets
General characteristics
Crew: 1
Length: 51.4 ft (15.7 m)
Wingspan: 35 ft (11 m)
Height: 14.4 ft (4.4 m)
Wing area: 460 sq ft (43 m2)
Aspect ratio: 2.66
Empty weight: 29,300 lb (13,290 kg)
Gross weight: 49,540 lb (22,471 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 65,918 lb (29,900 kg) [462]
Fuel capacity: 18,250 lb (8,278 kg) internal
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 afterburning turbofan, 28,000 lbf (125 kN) thrust dry, 43,000 lbf (191 kN) with afterburner
