The Israel Defense Forces will acquire a third F-35 joint strike fighter squadron to expand the country’s advanced stealth aircraft fleet to 75 aircraft.
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The Israel Ministry of Defense has purchased another 25 aircraft from the US government to add to the Israeli Air Force in a deal reportedly worth around $3 billion.
As part of the original agreement between the governments, the aircraft’s manufacturer (Lockheed Martin) and the engine manufacturer (Pratt & Whitney) have committed to involving Israeli defense industries in the production of aircraft components sold to equipped countries, according to the Israeli MOD.
Earlier this week, Israeli Ministry of Defense Political-Military Bureau Director Dror Shalom met with US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr Colin Kahl at the Pentagon on 28 June.
Both countries reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel and committed to deepening cooperation to address regional threats and support Israel’s continued integration into the region.
During the meeting, officials discussed efforts to address Iran’s dangerous nuclear advances, commitment to countering Iran’s destabilising activities, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and negative consequences associated with increased Iranian-Russian military cooperation.
Under Secretary Kahl expressed condolences to Director Shalom over recent victims of terrorism and concerns about the recent escalation of violence in the West Bank.
The Israel Ministry of Defense has also recently purchased 2,800 IWI X95 “Micro-Tavor” bullpup rifles from Israel Weapon Industries in a deal worth $2.9 million. The 5.56x45mm firearms will be issued to IDF Infantry Brigades Nahal, Golani, and Givati to uphold the highest standards of operational readiness and effectiveness.