Israel to buy 25 more F-35 fighter jets in $3bn deal

Israel has approved the purchase a third squadron of F-35 stealth fighter jets from the United States, the country’s defense ministry said Sunday, in a deal worth around $3bn.

The additional 25 aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin will bring the number of F-35s in Israel’s air force to 75, the ministry said, adding that the deal will be financed through the defense aid package Israel receives from the U.S.

Israel was the first country outside the U.S. to acquire the F-35. In May 2018, its air force chief said that Israel was the first to use the plane in combat.

The country has launched hundreds of air raids on Syrian territory during that country's years of war, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces and Lebanese Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions.

On Sunday, hours before Israel announced the F-35 plan, it said it had struck an anti-aircraft battery in Syria in response to the launch of an anti-aircraft rocket from Syria into Israeli territory.

It added that Israeli jets had also "struck additional targets in the area," and that no injuries were reported from the Syrian missile.

The F-35 is also known as the Joint Strike Fighter and in Israel by its Hebrew name, “Adir” (Mighty).

It is the world's most advanced fighter, which is stealth capable and can be used to gather intelligence, strike deep into enemy territory and engage in air duels.

The Israeli ministry added that Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney have agreed to involve Israeli defense companies in producing the aircraft's components.

"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.