Israel has reportedly purchased 17 additional F-35 fighters at an estimated price of $90 million for each plane. The deal, according to Israel Defense Ministry officials, was completed last week.

With the latest acquisition, the Israel Air Force will have purchased 25 of the state-of-the art planes, two squadrons. The purchase has already received the required cabinet approval and the last of the planes is to be delivered by last 2024. Israel has already received five of the planes and four more are expected in the coming weeks.

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said, “Completion of the deal for purchasing the stealth fighter constitute a significant and strategic addition of force for the air force. The two F-35 squadrons, the apex of technology, will help the IDF cope with the security challenges facing Israel.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)