F-35 fighter plane. (Photo: Defense Minister Spokesperson and Public Relations Division)
After Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich lifted his hold, the Defense Ministry signed a deal today (Tuesday) with the American government for the acquisition of a third squadron of F-35 "Adir" planes from the United States, which will now be integrated into the IDF.
The deal includes 25 F-35 planes made by Lockheed Martin, as well as support and maintenance. The deal is assessed at $3 billion.
With this deal, the IDF will now have 75 of the most advanced stealth fighter planes in the world. The planes will begin to be supplied from 2028 at a rate of 3 to 5 planes a year.