The Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Sunday that it has approved the purchase of a third squadron of powerful F-35 fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin in a $3 billion contract.
Israel is the only Middle Eastern country having F-35s, the world’s most modern fighter capable of gathering intelligence, striking deep into enemy territory, and engaging in air duels.
According to a ministry statement, the deal to purchase 25 F-35 planes, which is anticipated to be inked in the coming months, will increase the country’s fleet of the aircraft to 75.
It will be paid for with US military aid dollars obtained by Israel.
“This new agreement will ensure the continuation of cooperation between American companies and Israeli defence industries in the production of aircraft parts,” the statement said.
Israel’s military said in May 2018 that it had become the first country to utilize F-35s in battle.
Hundreds of air attacks have been undertaken on Syrian territory over the country’s years of conflict, particularly targeting Iran-backed troops and Lebanese Hezbollah combatants, as well as Syrian army sites.
On Sunday, just hours before announcing the F-35 proposal, Israel said it had targeted an anti-aircraft battery in Syria in response to a Syrian anti-aircraft rocket firing into Israeli territory.
It went on to say that Israeli jets had also “struck additional targets in the area,” and that no injuries had been reported as a result of the Syrian missile.
