The Israeli Ministry of Defense’s mission to the United States has officially signed a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) to acquire a third squadron of Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters for the Israeli Air Force (IAF), Lockheed Martin announced on 4 June 2024.
The agreement was signed by retired Israeli brigadier general Mishel Ben Baruch, who is head of the mission.
The deal, which is valued at approximately USD 3 billion (EUR 2.79 billion) and funded under the US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme, includes 25 F-35As, complete with support and maintenance services. With the completion of this programme the IAF will expand its fleet to 75 F-35s, which are known as Adirs in IAF service.
The delivery of the aircraft to Israel will begin in 2028 at a rate of three to five aircraft per year.
Under the original agreement between the two governments, aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney committed to involving Israeli industry in producing F-35s sold to US forces and other countries. Procuring these platforms is part of a comprehensive initiative that the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) promoted over the past two years to strengthen Israel’s military capabilities in response to existing and future threats.
“The procurement of the third F-35 squadron reflects the strength of the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was quoted as saying in a Lockheed Martin press release. “This capability has a significant impact on arenas both near and far. At time when some of our adversaries aim to undermine our ties with our greatest ally, we only further strengthen our alliance. This sends a powerful message to our enemies across the region. I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to our partners in the US Department of Defense and the wider US government for reinforcing and ensuring Israel’s edge and strategic capabilities.”
IMOD Director General Eyal Zamir added, “Initiated by the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the IDF before the war [with Hamas] and approved by the minister of defence, the signing of the third F-35 squadron agreement concludes a significant procurement process and was accelerated during it. The Adir programme and other initiatives we are advancing will help ensure the continued readiness of the IDF and the air force for multi-threat challenges in the coming years. We are grateful to the US government … for supporting Israel’s security needs and maintaining its qualitative and technological edge for years to come.”
