USA, Israel, the third squadron of F-35 stealth jets, a 3 billion dollar deal

The Israeli regime is intent on procuring a third squadron of F-35 advanced stealth fighter jets from the United States. Israel's military affairs ministry announced in a statement Sunday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet has approved the purchase of a third squadron of F-35 stealth fighter jets, known in Israel by the Hebrew name "Adir", in a deal worth $3 billion.

The additional 25 Lockheed Martin-built aircraft will bring the number of F-35s in Israel's air force to 75, the ministry said, adding that the deal would be funded through the military aid package Israel receives from the United States. The Israeli ministry stressed that Lockheed Martin and engine maker Pratt & Whitney have agreed to involve Israeli military companies in the production of aircraft components.

"This new agreement will ensure the continuation of cooperation between American companies and Israeli defense industries in the production of aircraft parts," the ministry's statement read. The statement added that the ministry will issue an official letter of request to the US Army's F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office to "facilitate the approval and signing of the transaction in the coming months."