Israel Secures Huge Deal with US for 25 Additional F-35 Fighter Jets Worth $3 Billion.

On June 4, 2024, Israel's Defense Ministry officially signed an agreement with the United States to acquire a third squadron of F-35 fighter jets. This $3 billion deal, funded through U.S. military aid, includes 25 advanced stealth fighters manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The Stealth Aircraft Will Be Delivered Starting in 2028, Bringing the IAF's F-35I Fleet to 75 Units.
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Israel signed an agreement with the United States to acquire 25 F-35 fighter jets. (Picture source: IDF)

The delivery of these aircraft will begin in 2028, with batches of three to five jets per year. This acquisition will eventually expand the Israeli Air Force's (IAF) F-35I fleet to a total of 75 units. To date, Israel has received 39 of the 50 F-35s from its initial order.

The agreement follows resolving a dispute between Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich. Smotrich had previously blocked the signing until a Knesset committee reviewed the defense budget. Gallant stated that the addition of 25 fighters illustrates the strong strategic alliance between the United States and Israel, highlighting its broad impacts on various operational theaters.

Lockheed Martin expressed its satisfaction with the Israeli government's decision, noting in a brief statement their pleasure in seeing Israel acquire additional F-35s. Israel is unique in being the second country after the United States to receive the F-35 and one of the few countries authorized to customize the aircraft. As part of the agreement, Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney committed to integrating Israeli defense industries into the production of aircraft components.

Israel received its first two F-35I jets in December 2016, and the aircraft, locally known as the Adir, became operational a year later. The IAF subsequently conducted bombing raids with the F-35I, making Israel the first country to confirm the operational use of the aircraft.

The F-35 Lightning II, designed by Lockheed Martin, is a sophisticated and versatile multirole aircraft. The initial investment for the F-35 program development was $406.5 billion in 2016, with a total projected cost exceeding $1 trillion. The unit cost varies depending on the versions, with estimates ranging from $77.9 million to over $300 million depending on production lots and models (F-35A, F-35B, F-35C).

As of January 1, 2024, 1,000 F-35 units had been built. The F-35 is derived from the Lockheed Martin X-35 prototype and is equipped with a Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, a turbofan with an afterburner delivering a thrust of 178 kN.

In terms of dimensions, the wingspan varies according to the versions, with the F-35A and F-35B measuring 10.40 meters, while the F-35C reaches 13.10 meters. The aircraft's length is 15.85 meters and its height is 5.28 meters. The wing area ranges from 42.7 m² for the A and B models to 57.6 m² for the C model.

The F-35 has an empty weight ranging from 13,170 kg to 14,580 kg depending on the versions, with a maximum takeoff weight of 25,600 kg. It can reach a maximum speed of 1,700 km/h (Mach 1.6+ at cruise altitude) and an operational ceiling of 18,500 meters. The range also depends on the model, ranging from 869 km for the F-35B to 1,138 km for the F-35C, with an endurance greater than 2,800 km. The aircraft has a thrust-to-weight ratio greater than 1 and can withstand load factors up to +9 G for the F-35A and +7 G for the B and C versions.

In terms of armament, the F-35 is internally equipped with a GAU-22 25 mm cannon with 180 rounds (installed in an external pod for the F-35B) and has two weapon bays, each with two pylons for a total of 2,800 kg of armaments. Externally, it can carry up to 6,800 kg of armaments on six pylons. The advanced avionics include an AN/APG-81 radar and an AN/AAQ-37 infrared sensor, ensuring superior detection and tracking capabilities.

With the acquisition of 25 additional F-35 fighters, Israel significantly strengthens its air fleet. However, the delivery of these aircraft will only begin in 2028, so it will be some time before these F-35s are operational within the Israeli Air Force.

The F-35 Lightning II, designed by Lockheed Martin, is a sophisticated and versatile multirole aircraft. ( Picture Source: US DoD)