Israel Purchases Additional F-35 Aircraft From The United States Amid Tensions In Gaza
On May 4, the Israeli Ministry of Defense signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) with US government officials, finalizing the procurement process for a third squadron of F-35 aircraft, which began last year prior to Hamas’ October 7 attacks and was accelerated during the war. This signature, which will help strengthen Israel’s Air Force and prepare it to face multifaceted challenges, came at a time when relations with the US were strained due to the Tel Aviv government’s stance on the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.
Following the signing ceremony, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the purchase of a third F-35 squadron was “another illustration of the strength of the strategic alliance between the US and Israel and its extensive effects in arenas near and far.” Gallant also stated that, at a time when Israel’s close ties with its most important ally, the United States, are expected to deteriorate, the significant strengthening of security and strategic cooperation with Washington is “a great message to all our enemies in the region.”
According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the third squadron of 25 Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters is worth approximately $3 billion. This amount will be financed by US military aid to Tel Aviv under the FMF program, and it will include aircraft support and maintenance services. According to the agreement, new F-35s will be delivered to Israel beginning in 2028 and in batches of three or five per year. If the planned procurement program is not disrupted, Israel will receive all aircraft by 2036, bringing the number of F-35s in the Israeli Air Force to 75.
The Israeli Air Force has so far received 39 of the 50 fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft it had ordered. Currently under the command of the 140th Squadron (Golden Eagle) and 116th Squadron (Southern Lions), based at Nevatim Air Base and considered the backbone of the Israeli Air Force, these advanced aircraft have been successfully used in many military operations since their first combat deployment in 2018. Israel expects to receive the remaining 11 aircraft by 2025.