Israel orders 25 modified F-35I Adir fifth-generation fighters worth $3bn

Israel is buying an additional batch of F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighters. This was announced by the country's Ministry of Defence.

Here's What We Know

The Israeli Air Force has 50 aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin in service. The new deal involves the purchase of 25 more fighter jets worth $3 billion. The contract will be financed from US aid funds.

The Israeli version of the F-35A is called the F-35I Adir. It differs in having additional avionics, which is developed by companies from Israel. In particular, the aircraft is equipped with an Israeli-made electronic warfare system.

Israel wanted to use its own components, as it believed that within 10 years the stealth capabilities of the F-35 may lose effectiveness. In addition, the Adir version can carry Israeli Spice-100, Python-5 and Stunner missiles along with MPR-500 bombs.

The purchase of 25 aircraft will make the Israeli F-35 fleet the second largest in the world, not counting the US. First place goes to Japan, whose Self-Defence Forces have ordered nearly 150 fighters in the F-35A and F-35B modifications.

Source: Israeli Ministry of Defence