F-35
F-35Flash 90

The Defense Ministry procurement delegation in the US completed the deal last week to acquire 17 F-35 "Adir" planes from the US government's JSF program.

In doing so, the delegation completed the purchase of two full squadrons (50 aircraft) for the Israeli Air Force.

Exercising the option to purchase an additional 17 planes was approved by the Cabinet, and the purchase order was signed by the Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Major General (Res.) Udi Adam. Under the contract, the supplying of the aircraft will be completed by December 2024.

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said in response to the deal's completion, "The completion of the purchase of 17 additional F-35s is a significant and strategic addition to the air force, and will help the IDF and Air Force cope with the many security challenges we face at the doorstep of the State of Israel, and act as a central element in protecting the security of Israeli citizens along the borders and even away from them. The signing of the transaction is further evidence of the depth of the relationship and security relations between our great friend the United States and the State of Israel. "

The head of the Defense Ministry's delegation in the United States, Dubi Lavi, said, "This is the third giant deal to purchase 'Adir' planes that the Ministry of Defense has signed in the last decade. With every subsequent series of planes that left the production line, the American manufacturer promised to lower the price of the plane. We are pleased to announce that in this transaction, the US project manager managed to conduct successful negotiations with the company and reduce the average price of each plane to less than $ 100 million. This is a significant reduction compared to the planes purchased by the State of Israel so far. "

In total, the Ministry of Defense has so far acquired 50 F-35 "Adir" A planes, comprising the fifth and most advanced generation. Five planes have landed so far in Israel, and by 2021 33 aircraft will be supplied to the IAF from the two previous deals.

The F-35 is manufactured in three models: Model A for regular takeoff and landing, Model B for short takeoff and vertical landing, and C for aircraft carrier operations. All 50 aircraft purchased by the Ministry of Defense for the IAF are Model A, but have integrated unique capabilities and advanced Israeli weapons.