Israel acquires 25 F-35 fighter aircraft from the United States.

On July 2, 2023, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced the acquisition of 25 F-35 fighter aircraft from the US government, marking an expansion of the Israeli Air Force's fleet. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, these stealth aircraft will enhance Israel's military capabilities and solidify its position as a regional power.

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F-35A LIGHTNING II  (Picture source: DoD United States )

With an estimated value of approximately $3 billion, this agreement will be funded through US aid funds. The finalization of the transaction is expected to take place in the coming months, subject to necessary approvals and signatures. It builds upon the initial agreement between the two governments and commitments made by Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. According to the agreement, these companies have agreed to involve Israeli industries in the production of the F-35 aircraft.

The F-35, a multirole fighter aircraft, is manufactured by Lockheed Martin in the United States. It is currently in production and primarily used by the US Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy. It is also employed by other countries such as Norway, the Netherlands, Italy, and Japan. As of June 2023, over 935 units have been built.

The F-35 has a military payload capacity of up to 1,100 kilograms. Its external weapons stations allow for the carriage of various air-to-ground weapons. Additionally, the outer stations provide the capability to carry multiple smaller munitions such as GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), GBU-53/B SDB II, and SPEAR 3 anti-tank missiles. The internal weapons stations are dedicated to air-to-air missiles, with the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) AIM-120 currently being utilized.

To enhance the defensive capabilities of the F-35, two compartments located behind the weapons bays house countermeasures. These compartments contain thermal flares, radar countermeasures (chaff), and towed decoys, essential for evading and distracting incoming threats. The sophisticated internal armament configuration of the F-35 underscores its role as a versatile and stealthy combat aircraft, with precise strike capabilities and effective air-to-air engagement.

The F-35 is equipped with the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, a low-bypass augmented turbofan. With a thrust of 125 kN in military power and 191 kN with an afterburner, the F135 contributes to the aircraft's stealth through a minimally visible afterburner and a low-observable nozzle. The engine also incorporates an Integrated Power Package (IPP), a system that manages power and thermal requirements, including environment control, auxiliary power unit, engine starting, and other functions.

The F-35 is renowned for its capabilities as a versatile fighter aircraft. It combines stealth, performance, real-time information collection and sharing capabilities, as well as advanced sensor and targeting systems. Thanks to its versatility, the F-35 can fulfill a multitude of missions, including ground attack, air superiority, reconnaissance, and air defense.

Upon finalizing this acquisition, the Israeli Air Force's fleet will comprise a total of 75 F-35 aircraft. This acquisition will improve Israel's aerial capabilities.