Israel, maintaining its unique stance as the sole Middle Eastern nation equipped with the highly advanced F-35 stealth fighter, recently solidified its air superiority by signing a monumental $3 billion agreement.

This deal ensures the expansion of its F-35I “Adir” fleet to a formidable count of 75 jets over the next decade.

With deliveries starting in 2028, Israel positions itself at the forefront of aerial warfare technology, prepared to counter emerging threats in a turbulent region.

The State of Israel has always been strategic in its defense procurements, and this latest acquisition of an additional 25 F-35I Adir fighters from Lockheed Martin is no exception.

Financed by U.S. foreign military aid, this deal not only strengthens Israel’s military capabilities but also reinforces the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) currently operates three F-35 squadrons from Nevatim Air Base.

These squadrons, with their 36 jets already in service, have played a crucial role in Israel’s defense, particularly against Iranian targets in Syria and hostile drones.

Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, emphasized the importance of the acquisition, stating, “The procurement of the third F-35 squadron reflects the strength of the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States. “

Lockheed Martin, the primary contractor for the aircraft, highlighted that Israel made history by being the inaugural nation to choose the F-35 via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procedure of the United States government.

This momentous decision was solidified with the signing of a Letter of Agreement in October 2010.

The IAF’s fifth-generation stealth fighters are not just any F-35s; they carry the ‘I’ designation, denoting significant enhancements tailored to Israel’s defense needs.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) insisted on modifications that include an Israeli electronic warfare system (EWS), custom helmet-mounted displays, and bespoke datalink functionality, along with other enhancements to the jet’s data gathering and processing capabilities.

The F-35I Adir, aptly named the “Mighty One” in Hebrew, has further proven its worth as it was instrumental in intercepting Iranian UAVs.

Moreover, the latest escalation by Iran, launching over 300 drones and missiles towards Israel.

Although most projectiles were intercepted, a few missiles hit the Nevatim Airbase.

Relevant articles:
– F-35I Adir: Israel Will Soon Have 75 Stealth Fighters Even America Doesn’t Have, The National Interest
– F-35I Adir: Israel Has a Special Stealth Fighter Even America Doesn’t Fly, The National Interest
– Israel to buy new fleet of F-35 fighter jets financed by US aid, aljazeera.com
– Israel Inks Deal To Buy 25 More F-35 Fighter Jets From The US; Propels IDF’s Fleet To 75 Stealth Warplanes, EurAsian Times