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Israel has approved a deal to purchase a third squadron of F-35 fighter jets from the US. Israel will spend $ 3 billion on the purchase of these aircraft.
With this consignment of Lockheed Martin-made aircraft, the number of F-35 aircraft in the Israeli Air Force will increase to 75. Officials said that the financial assistance from the US will be used in this deal. Israel is the first country outside the US to have been given the F-35 aircraft.
Other American companies involved in the production include Connecticut-based Pratt & Whitney for aircraft engines. The Defense Ministry said the planes are being funded with US military assistance.
Israel and the US signed a 10-year, $38 billion memorandum of understanding in 2016 providing a framework for US military assistance. Aid comes primarily through the US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program and the US Department of Defense’s participation in funding joint projects such as missile defence systems.
